William "Jerry" Gerald Walker

John's gospel states that before Jesus ascended he said, "l am going away to make ready a place for you. And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that where I am you may be too." It was secure in that knowledge that William Gerald "Jerry" Walker peacefully slipped away and came to realize the truth of that promise in the early morning of June Il, 2016 while being in the compassionate care of Southwest Christian Hospice. Jerry began his journey in this world on August 25, 1945 in Cairo, Georgia. He was one of two sons born to the late Blanton William and Joyce White Walker. After high school, Jerry would go on to further his education and receive a master's degree in music at Georgia Southern University and be an elementary school music teacher and later principal at Terrell County Junior High School. He would also receive a Master's Degree in Education and Administration from Valdosta State. It was during the time that he was in education that he would catch the eye of a certain young church secretary. She would soon become Mrs. Susie Swindell Walker. Susie was a young widow with two children whom Jerry would come to love as his own. God was only getting started with His plans for Jerry's life. Heeding God's call, Jerry went to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas where he would attain a master's degree in Religious Education and Administration. He served at Second Avenue Baptist Church in Rome, Georgia and later at East Hill Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida. In December of 1983 Jerry and his family relocated to Newnan where he began 32 years of faithful service to First Baptist in January of 1984. Like his marriage to Susie, this was a match made in heaven. Jerry was a quiet, strong force in the life of the church. He had such a strong servant spirit and amazingly calm demeanor. As his ministry evolved, he came to have a passion for ministry to the senior adults in the church. He was instrumental in forming "The Front Door Ministry" at First Baptist. He also began a mission project for the senior adults to serve for a week at Camp Hawkins which is a respite retreat for physically and mentally challenged children. His core beliefs came to fruition in fulfilling these two calls of God on his life. Many happy hours for him and the senior adults in the church revolved around the Never Grow Old ministry. He loved planning trips for them and being the official tour guide. His greatest love in life, without question, was for his God and Savior. The outgrowth of that love manifested itself in his love for his family. During his life he would go to extraordinary lengths to be a guiding force in the good times and the trying times. His adored his grandchildren and they, him. When he realized that his time on earth was short, his only desire was to be with his family and savor the days he had left with them. Being active outside the church was his way of taking the church outside its four walls and he served as President of Georgia Baptist Religious Educators and was active in The Kiwanis Club of Newnan and served a term as president. Jerry was the much loved husband and faithful life partner of Susie Swindell Walker. His daughters are Donna Jill Wright and Holli Anne Jones (and Buddy). Jerry was an extraordinary blessing to his grandchildren Josh Rainey, Jessica Rainey, Logan Price and Catelyn Price, Olivia Wright and Rachel Wright. One of life's most difficult moments was the loss of his beloved granddaughter, Lindsey Marie Price. He is also survived by his brother, Dennis (Barbara) Walker, sisters-in-law Jeanette (Paul) Sterbutzel, Jay (Terry) Wood, Diane (Lee) Bates and June (Jimmy) Horne. There will be a time of visitation on Wednesday, June 15th between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM in the historic sanctuary at First Baptist Church Newnan. On Thursday, June 16, 2016 at 11:00 AM in The First Baptist Church Historic Sanctuary, Jerry’s life of dedicated service to God will be remembered in a time proclaiming the love of God and thanksgiving for His blessing in all of our lives. The service will be led by Dr. Gene Tyre, Rev. Mike Emeott and Reverend Clare Whitlock. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorial gifts be made in Jerry's memory to Southwest Christian Care 7225 Lester Road Union City GA, Front Door Ministry of First Baptist Church 15 West Washington Street or to The Lindsey Price Memorial Fund at any Bank of North Georgia location. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mckoon.com McKoon Funeral Home 770-253-4580.

William "Jerry" Gerald Walker

August 25, 1945 - June 11, 2016