Dr. Billy K. Walker

  Dr. Billy K. Walker (Doc), 83, of Woodbury passed away on October 21, 2014 after an extended illness. He was born on May 20, 1931 in Beechgrove, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Rayburn “Bill” Walker and Jamie (Covington) Walker Jarman.  He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jamie and Dan Helton of Christiana; son and daughter-in-law, Ken and Ingrid Walker of Woodbury; brother, Joe Tom Walker of Beechgrove; grandchildren, Evan Gilman and Carley Gilman and step-grandson, Jim Grizzle. Doc grew up on the family farm. He learned to work hard in their dairy and to love animals. He attended Manchester Central High School for two years and earned a scholarship to play football at Columbia Military Academy for his last two years of high school. Vanderbilt University awarded him a football scholarship and he later transferred to Tennessee Wesleyan College. Doc served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War where he was trained in teletypewriter equipment and maintenance and went on to be an instructor in the military.   Following his service in the Army he was awarded a football scholarship to attend Kansas State University's Veterinary School and he graduated with his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.   After graduation he moved to Woodbury with his family and began his veterinary practice. Doc served as the only veterinarian in both Cannon and Dekalb Counties for about twenty years. Doc had a love for and interest in Cannon County. It led him to be involved in many different ventures. He was one of the founding owners of the Woodbury Nursing Home in the 1970’s. Dr. Walker was active in church and was a member of the Grace Assembly of God. He spent many hours working on the food drives through the church. His love for animals and people gave him the opportunity to come into contact with many people. Doc was well known for taking in stray dogs, horses, birds or any other animal that needed care. He also raised coon hounds and enjoyed coon hunting in his limited leisure time. Doc's busy work schedule didn’t bother him at all since his work was his joy. He wanted to share his love of animals with his children and grandchildren. During the summer he loved to have his grandchildren come stay with him on the farm. He introduced them to farming and the vet business. His daughter and granddaughter were both active with show and competition horses. He loved to watch them show whenever he could. Visitation for family and friends will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Monday, October 27, 2014 from 4-9 PM. The family will hold a private funeral service. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to the Big Fluffy Dog Rescue. They have been very helpful in finding good homes for many of Doc's animals. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the love and care provided by Francis Buse in the last few months of his life. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net Smith Funeral Home, (615)563-5337