Gearld Walker

ARITON…Mr. Gearld E. Walker, a resident of Ariton, died Friday afternoon, August 8, 2025, at his home. He was 76.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home with Reverend Joe Underwood and Reverend Kent Braswell officiating. Burial will follow in Gospel to the Nations Cemetery in Newton. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Mr. Walker, born to Richmond Elvin Walker and Willa Dean Brown Walker, was a proud native of Ozark, Alabama. His roots ran deep in the community where he spent most of his life, and in 2024, he made a new home in Ariton, bringing with him a lifetime of stories, wisdom, and quiet strength.

He worked for many years as an automobile mechanic, a trade that suited him perfectly. He had a knack for fixing things—not just engines and transmissions, but anything that needed a little patience and know-how. Before that, he served his hometown through his work with the City of Ozark, always lending a hand where it was needed. Whether it was under the hood of a car or helping out around town, Mr. Walker was the kind of man who believed in doing things right and doing them with heart.

Long before his working years, Mr. Walker answered the call to serve his country. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Vietnam Era. Though he didn’t talk much about his time in the military, those who knew him could see the quiet dignity and discipline that came from his service. He carried that sense of duty with him throughout his life.

Outside of work and service, Mr. Walker found joy in life’s simpler pleasures. He loved to fish—there was something about being near the water, waiting patiently for a bite, that brought him peace. He could spend hours with a rod in hand, lost in the rhythm of nature. When he wasn’t outdoors, he was often found in front of the TV, watching old Westerns. He had a soft spot for the grit and honor of cowboy tales, and he never missed a good showdown. He was also a passionate WWE fan, cheering on his favorite wrestlers with the same excitement he brought to everything he loved.

And when it came to college football, Mr. Walker was all in for the Auburn Tigers. Win or lose, he stood by his team with unwavering loyalty. Game days were special, filled with anticipation and pride.

But perhaps the most tender part of Mr. Walker’s story was his love for his wife, Onita Peacock Walker. They were married on August 30, 1974, and shared a life full of love, laughter, and companionship until her passing. He missed her deeply, and her memory remained a constant presence in his heart.

Mr. Walker was also preceded in death by his siblings—Willie Pearl Reeves, William Walker, Wayne Walker, Johnny Walker, and Rex Walker. Each loss left a mark, but he carried their memories with grace and quiet resilience.

He was a man of few words but deep feeling. Those who knew him will remember his steady presence, his dry wit, and the way he made you feel like everything was going to be okay. His life was a testament to loyalty, hard work, and the kind of love that doesn’t need grand gestures to be felt deeply.

Surviving relatives include his children, Angela Lawson (Jason), Ariton, Jason Walker (Krissy), and Kim Arnett, all of Ozark; grandchildren, Hannah Lawson, Destiny Walker, Brianna Lawson, Travis Walker, Brittany Lawson, Michael Arnette, and Jaden Lawson; great-grandchildren, Grayson Besaw and Brexton Taylor; his special cat, “Mean”

Serving as active pallbearers will be Charles Ward, Ben Key, Jason Lawson, and Jaden Lawson.