Napoleon Walker, Jr., 75, of Palatka, answered God's call on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at UF Health Shands Hospital, Gainesville. A native of O'Brien, FL, he was the son of Napoleon Walker, Sr. and Maybelle Gamble, born on Friday, April 26, 1946. He was educated in the Suwannee County FL School System.  Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and served as a Truck Driver from 1968-1970 in Vietnam until he was honorably discharged.  Following his military service, he briefly worked in construction before commencing his passionate pursuit of becoming a trucker.  Napoleon initially worked for Florida Timber Company in Hastings and subsequently became a logging entrepreneur in the logging industry with a career spanning over 50 years.  He was owner-operator of Walker Trucking of Palatka.

Napoleon was baptized at an early age. In 1994, he united with Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, serving in several ministries, including Usher and Trustee, as well as sang in Male Chorus.  He was ordained as a Deacon in October, 2004 under the pastoral leadership of the Reverend Clarence M. Mallory, Jr.

Napoleon and Barbara spent a total of 42 years as best friends in love.  He loved to tell jokes and created an affectionate, humorous nickname for everyone he knew. He would give anything possible to help others, was loved by all who knew him and he never met a stranger.  Napoleon loved studying and discussing God's Word and he witnessed for the Lord until the Lord called him to his eternal home. He devoted his life to keeping peace and harmony among his beloved family.

Napoleon was an avid fisherman. He loved auto racing, traveling with family, dancing, and was an avid sports fan, especially football and basketball.  He also steadfastly watch westerns and old classic TV shows.

Deacon Walker will be greatly missed by his very dedicated wife of 25 years, Barbara Gibbs Walker, (who compassionately cared for her husband); sons and daughters, Sylvania Young Walker, Charles Young, Erika (Ricky) Hankins, Napoleon Alston Sr., Telisha Walker, Andre (Omega) Walker, Lavonda Walker, Natalie Walker, Livingston Winters, Napoleon Walker, III; 23 grandchildren, Antionette (Toni), Jessiah, Ariel, Eric, Demornay, Jazmin, Napoleon Jr., Xe'Niyah, Alexis, Keimoya, Isiah, Jaylen, Mia'Andrea, Andre Jr., An'Driania, Armani, Livingston Jr., Livierra, Jeremiah, Ja'La, Calissa, Alanna, Braxton; 4 great-grandchildren; sisters, Jane Walker, Hattie Foster; sisters-in-law , Beatrice Wheeler, Addie Armstead; brothers-in-law , Willie (Robin) Turner, Curtis (Rosetta) Turner; devoted cousins, Pamela Gilley Roberts (Pastor Herman Roberts), Panzy Harris; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, classmates, co-workers, other relatives and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 2-4 p.m., Saturday, May 22 at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." Homegoing Celebration of Life will be 2 p.m., Sunday, May 23 at Putnam County Fairgrounds Pavilion, 118 Fairgrounds Road, East Palatka, Rev.  Tommy J. Rodgers, Pastor, Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery.  (CDC COVID-19 guidelines will be followed.)