Laile Ray Walker

Mr. Laile Ray Walker, age 67, loving son, father, grandfather and brother, passed away in the early morning hours of Thursday, January 24, 2019 at the SECU Inpatient Unit in Forest City while under the care of Hospice of the Carolina Foothills. A native of McDowell County, North Carolina, born May 20, 1951, he was the son of Willie Teseniar Walker Gillespie of Old Fort and the late Dolph A. Walker.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Marvin Walker and Wade Walker; and one half-sister, Stella King.

A longtime member of the Marion Moose Family Center 1705, Laile lived life to the fullest.  He enjoyed riding motorcycles, older hot rod cars; and last but not least, he loved spending time with his canine companion, Elliott.  Mr. Walker was a veteran of the United States Army, having been stationed in Germany. 

Laile is survived by, in addition to his mother, two sons, Craig Walker (Luanne) and Alex Walker; two sisters, Mary Ann Tipton (Ronnie) and Freida Lytle (Howard); and two granddaughters, Morgan Walker Long (Garrison) and Callie Walker.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews; and a number of special friends.

A celebration of Mr. Walker’s life will be held on Sunday, January 27, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service in Marion with Mr. Marc Tipton officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the North Carolina National Guard.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., two hours prior to the service, at the funeral home.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in his memory are asked to consider, Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, North Carolina 28043 or by visiting www.hocf.org.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Charles George VA Medical Center and Hospice of the Carolina Foothills for the extraordinary care they provided Laile and his family during his illness.