"So beautiful Charles welcomed Gods calling in the music ministry and blessed so many people with his beautiful hyms. I enjoyed this video of his beautiful ordained voice while seeing the wonderful photos of Charles and Peggy and their children and grands throughout the years. May God bless each of you"
In loving memory of
Charles William Walker
March 6, 1938 - May 13, 2020
After many years of battling Alzheimers Disease and a short struggle with COVID-19, Charles William Walker, Sr. passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, at the NC State Veterans Home in Salisbury.
A resident of Mocksville, Charles was born in Winston-Salem, on March 6, 1938, to the late William Martin Walker, Sr.and Wilner Hart Walker.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy Baker Walker; children, Patty Gruce (John), Charles W. Walker, Jr. (Dawn), and Denise Swearington (Frank); grandchildren, Rebekah Walker Hengy (Joe), Hillary Gruce, Morgan Swearington Robinson (Brent), Hayley Gruce, Charles Swearington (Kaitlin), and Laura Walker Jorris (Austin); great-grandchildren, Ashlyn, Walker, and Alaina Hengy; many nieces and nephews; a brother, W.M. Walker, Jr.; a sister, Jan Walker Jarrett (Robert); and a brother-in-law, Jimmy Baker (Linda).
In addition to his parents, Charles is preceded in death by his sisters, Virginia Blakely and Cheryl Walker; and brothers, Drewy Walker, Bill Walker, Bob Walker, and Gary Walker.
Charles graduated from Glenn High School in Winston-Salem where he served as Student Body President and courted the love of his life, Peggy. The two were married soon after Charles graduated. Shortly thereafter, he began serving his country as a Communications Specialist in the United States Marine Corps. Peggy enjoys telling the story of how Charles hitch-hiked all the way home from the base at Camp Lejeune just in time for their April 6 wedding in 1957. And from that day forward, Charles and Peggy continued to stand side by side for over 63 years, working together, raising their family, and ministering together throughout the area.
After working as a Production Planner for RJR Archer Aluminum and in insurance sales alongside his father and father-in-law, Charles was called to pursue his passion in the Music Ministry. He attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where he studied Musical Theory, History, and Vocal Performance; however, most folks who knew Charles would agree that he was a naturally-gifted singer and musician, with a God-given talent. Charles loved music and came from a long line of gifted musicians and singers. At an early age, he and his siblings would gather around the piano and sing songs as his mother played the piano. Then as a teen, he sang in the high school glee club. As a young father, he would sit in the front yard and play the autoharp or banjo as neighbors gathered in the cool shade of evening to listen and sing along. Later, Charles served on staff as Minister of Music, Education, and/or Youth at several area Baptist churches including, Oaklawn, Bethany, Pfafftown, First Baptist-Mocksville, West Side, and Northwest. He also sang with a group of friends who performed at church and civic events. Charles was known for his beautiful baritone voice where he sang for many friends weddings, funerals, church services, and even his own childrens weddings.
In addition to music, one of the most fulfilling job responsibilities for Charles was spending time with young people. Charles had the ability to live out his faith through his actions which made a lasting impact on many teens as well as people of all ages. He loved the adventure of taking his Youth Group each summer to Camp Caswell and seeing the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of young believers in Christ.
Always one to tinker with electronics, Charles was a self-taught computer expert. With the age of personal computers, he learned to build and repair the hardware and loved all the challenges and conveniences these machines allowed. Always one to help, he spent many hours in peoples homes and businesses helping them with their computer issues before the time of Geek Squad.
Another hobby he pursued was photography and taught himself the mechanics and artistry by immersing himself into countless books and computer software to perfect his creations. Like most of his talents, Charles was a natural, and through the years he enjoyed capturing countless photos of his most-loved subjects - his family. He also enjoyed photographing Gods natural beauty and had the opportunity to document his travels through his photography. Many of his beautiful landscape, lighthouse, and sunset photos adorn the walls of his home. During retirement, Charles and Peggy journeyed to destinations throughout the U.S. and beyond. Some of their favorite places were the Grand Canyon and other areas of the western states, Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, and the Bahamas.
His favorite place was the beach or coast, as he liked to call it. He loved to fish and later in life sit on the beach and listen to the waves. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren talk of all the times spent with him building sandcastles, playing in the surf, and walking the beach looking for sharks teeth and seashells.
During the last few years of his life, when it was difficult for Charles to express himself verbally, he never lost the ability to sing. He took every opportunity to sit around the piano and sing hymns and carols with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He even directed the music and sang the hymns for chapel services at the Veterans Home. And we know for certain, he is now singing with the heavenly hosts.
Thank you to all the friends and family who have supported Charles and Peggy through the many challenging years dealing with Alzheimers, especially Peggys brother, Jimmy and his wife, Linda, and Peggys dear friend, Ann. The family would also like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of the NC State Veterans Home in Salisbury for the great care and love shown to Charles during the short time he lived there, and especially for holding his hand when we couldnt, as he passed into eternal life with Jesus.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be considered for the Building Fund at First Baptist Church, 412 N. Main Street, Mocksville, NC 27028; or the charity of your choice in his memory.
Online condolences: www.lambertfuneralhomenc.com
Tributes
"How wonderful to hear his voice, singing so beautifully and such beautiful songs. What wonderful memories to have during these days of grief. Thinking of all of you and sending love."
"Uncle Charles sang at our wedding in 1993. Charles, Peggy, the girls and grand kids all came and it made our weekend so special. He sang The Lords Prayer and In This Very Room. Those songs brought such a feeling of reverence, a quiet peace and glory to the Lord on such a happy day. It was just right. Charles and Peggy raised a sweet family and he is a testament to a good man. We are thinking of you."
"My sincere condolences go out to the Family during this difficult time. Charles was the minister of music at Pfafftown Baptist when I met him. I was in the youth group during his time there and he touched so many lives through his music and with his friendship. He was as fine a human being as you could ever hope to know. You would run out of adjectives trying to describe all of his wonderful qualities and he could relate to anyone no matter their place in society and make them all feel the same with his sincerity. He genuinely cared about others and he was so Blessed with his talents. As teenagers I used to spend some time with his beautiful daughter Denise and I always felt welcome in their home and we always enjoyed each others company so much. He will be missed by so many and he leaves a wonderful Family behind. Ill be praying for all of you and I feel very fortunate to have enjoyed the time and friendship that I shared with Charles and his Family."
"Charles was our Minister of Music at Pfafftown Baptist Church. My husband, Dan Frazier, was in a men's singing group with Charles. Charles later sang at Dan's funeral. Our family loved Charles and his family. Our prayers and heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family."
"I remember so many good times with Charles when he was our choir director at Pfafftown, Baptist Church. We loved his whole family. Praying for you at this time."
"I am sorry to find this out today. I grew up in the youth group at Pfafftown Baptist while Charles was the Minister of Music. I sang in the youth choir and I will never forget one night at practice he stopped everyone and had us re sing a certain part. He said he heard someone singing choo for you. Well....it was me!! I had no idea I was doing it. I have made a conscious effort to sound out my you s every since. Oh how we loved Charles at Pfafftown Baptist. Trips to Camp Caswell. No one could sing How Great Thou Art like him. Keeping all of you in my prayers."
"My sincere condolences to Peggy and the family for their loss."
"We are so grateful to have known Charles for 20 years as our neighbor. I'm so thankful we will be neighbors again one sweet day in heaven with no time limits there! I love the concert of Charles singing on the video."
"The music accompanying this video was sung by Charles Walker, age 75+ with advanced Alzheimer's, during worship at First Baptist Church-Mocksville. These are just a few of his favorites along with many other great hymns.Thank you Hillary for compiling and creating this remembrance."
"Dear Peggy and family, Precious Memories indeed of Charles and all that he blessed our lives with at Pfafftown Baptist Church. May the peace of Christ fill you and bless you at this time and in the days ahead. Heaven's song is sweeter."
"Dear Peggy and family, The last time we saw you and Charles was at the funeral of Paul Riggs ; we had no way of knowing that we would be expressing our sympathy to you so soon as Jesus has welcomed Charles to Heaven . Charles was a brilliant and talented person who touched many people in a wonderful way. As you cope with his loss , know that we will miss him also . May the comfort and peace of Jesus be with all of you."
"Charles was a joy to serve alongside at Northwest Baptist Church. He was a colleague, mentor and friend to this young minister. Prayers of comfort and peace are being lifted to Peggy and the family. I look forward to seeing you again in the fullness of Gods glorious kingdom."
"Remember the first time I met Charles and Peggy in Calabash on the way home from Oak Island. Great times hearing the fishing stories and a few stories about Chuck. Keep the Walker family in our thoughts and prayers Lee Leibecki "
"Peggy, My deepest sympathy. Many good memories of the fun times at the NARFE luncheons. How quickly time passes us by, but to be absent from the body is to be present with our Lord."
"Peggy, Mother died in "79, so it's been a while. I still remember how numb I was at her funeral at Oaklawn. I do cherish Charles singing "How Great Thou Art." It meant so much. My prayers are with all of you."
"My deepest condolences, Peggy and family. Charles was a very kind gentle soul. May God bless and keep you throughout this difficult time. My love and prayers."
"Peggy, we so enjoyed our time with you and Charles at FBCM. He was truly gifted and we loved to hear him sing. He was such a good man and he will be greatly missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers, Doug and Barbara Stafford"
"Peggy, you and your family are in our prayers. I can identify with Charles' love for music, especially his church music ministry over the years. Sandra and I fondly remember gathering around the piano at your house and singing carols with Charles at the loan processing Christmas party all those years ago. God bless and give you peace through the coming days."
"What a special tribute to such a special gentleman. My family was privileged to experience his talents both at Northwest Baptist and Pfafftown Baptist Churches. My entire family has so many precious memories. Blessings to each one of youand sincere sympathy."
"Patty, Peggy, and family - my condolences go out to you during this difficult time. Mr. Walker was a joy to take care of and it was evident the love he had for your family. We will miss him dearly! -Ashlyn, dietitian"
"Charles and Peggy have been our dear friends for over 40 years! So many good times. Charles sang at our wedding in 1980, and dear Peggy insisted she would make the wedding cake which was exquisite as well as delicious. Through the years I accompanied Charles as he sang at weddings including his son and daughter Denise. He also sang at many celebrations of life more of those than weddings as we aged! Charles once said to me at a funeral "we've got to stop meeting like this"! Joe and I also enjoyed travelling with them to New England and, of course, to the coast! The Bethany choir was blessed to have him lead us. Many funny stories could be told, but we will just say "thanks for the memories" ! Prayers for the peace and comfort that passes all understanding"
"Peggy and Family, My heart is breaking for all of you at the loss of such a fine man. I have so many wonderful memories of Charles during his years at Oaklawn. He always had a smile on his face and was so friendly to everyone. You will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days to come."
"We express loving sympathy to Peggy and family as we thank God for the life of Charles Walker and his dedication to God. We cherish precious memories of Charles and his leadership at Northwest Baptist Church in Winston-Salem."
"I will so miss hearing him sing and how kind he was to all. "