Jimmie Kenneth Walker

Jimmie Kenneth Walker, aged 87, from Alexandria, Virginia, formerly of Stoneville, peacefully passed at home on February 5, 2025, following a courageous seven-year battle with cancer.

A funeral service will be held at Fair Funeral Home in Eden, North Carolina, on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Ridgeview Memorial Gardens. A "Celebration of Life" reception will follow the graveside service at Debbie's Event Center located at 123 N Henry Street, Stoneville, NC. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Born on October 9, 1937, to Bertha Foley Walker and Rex Walker in Stoneville, North Carolina, Jimmie was the second of six children. Despite, or possibly because of his extremely humble beginnings, Jimmie was a remarkable man, imbued with humility and an unparalleled work ethic. His early years instilled in him a zest for life and a passion for racing (he was known to evade the authorities with daring speed through town streets). This thrill for speed developed into a lifelong admiration for NASCAR. 

Following his graduation from Stoneville High School in 1957, Jimmie served his country for two years in the U.S. Army, including a stint in Germany where he displayed resilience after almost losing his toes from frostbite. Throughout his life, he navigated numerous challenges, including a debilitating car accident that left him temporarily paralyzed. Jimmie persevered, demonstrating extraordinary determination by continuing to work the tobacco fields with only one functioning arm.

Jimmie's industrious determination knew no bounds, as he juggled multiple jobs, ranging from building engineer to landscaper at Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, DC. It was through his union with his beloved wife, Margie Stephens Walker, in 1966 that he found focus, launching Franconia Roofing Company. Together, they nurtured a thriving business and raised two children, Jami and Matthew. In addition to running a successful business, Jimmie loved real estate and investing in properties. One of his properties was later developed into the community of Kingstown in Alexandria, VA.

Jimmie was a very loving father and grandfather and a true role model. He exemplified what one can accomplish with hard work, and he embodied the golden rule. He was a selfless man who would do anything to aid another expecting nothing in return. He had an adventurous spirit and an endearing sense of humor. He could talk to anyone, loved telling stories, and enjoyed a good prank. He could find something in common with anyone and made whoever was in his presence feel warm and welcome. To know Jimmie was to love him.

Jimmie remained active in semi-retirement, finding fulfillment as a handyman and maintaining his properties. His passions extended to the natural world, evident in his love for visiting his tree farms in North Carolina and mountain property in southern Virginia. He delighted in nurturing his trees and sharing his expert knowledge with others.

Jimmie is preceded in death by his beloved mother Bertha, his father Rex and his siblings, Buddie, David, and Barbara. He is survived by his devoted wife, Margie; adored children, Jami and Matthew (Jessah Foulk Walker); grandchildren, Walker, Carsten, Evelyn, Claire, and Foard; and brothers, Deedle and Daniel.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (lls.org), or please plant a tree in Jimmie’s honor.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com.