Gerald Robert Walker

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Gerald (Jerry) Robert Walker of Crossville, Tennessee share the news of his passing on July 30, 2026, his 91st birthday.

Jerry was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 30, 1935 and lived in the greater Cincinnati area for much of his life before moving to Crossville, Tennessee in 1997. Jerry served in the Army Reserves and built a long and honorable career at the Cincinnati Bell Telephone Company. He was a dedicated member, leader, and volunteer with the Syrian Shriners of Cincinnati, serving as Illustrious Potentate in 1990 and an Emeritus Member of the Board of Governors for Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio. Jerry was also a member of Mount Washington Presbyterian Church and Yeatman Lodge #162, which he served admirably for many years.

Jerry was a lifelong animal lover, both of his pets and the others he met. He’s been known to be many dogs’ favorite guest at the dinner table, surreptitiously sliding some bites to whatever dog was there. He also loved to travel, and in retirement was often found on the road with his wife, perhaps with some grandkids or friends too. Some of Jerry’s best trips were to Indianapolis, as he served on the Yellow Shirt Safety Patrol at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for many years and even got to drive his own vintage racecar on the track. Jerry loved to tinker and was a skilled craftsman, whether it was working on one of his racecars or building a new practical joke contraption. Jerry had a zest for life, a love of fun and adventure, and a wicked sense of humor. He was so easy to love, was deeply cherished, and will be missed by all who knew him.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Betty Walker. Left to mourn his passing are his wife, Dee Walker; children, Beth Sutton, Bob (Kristy) Walker, and Chris (Carol) Kincaid; sister, Judy (Phil) Stratmann; grandchildren, Jessica (Alex) Anderson, Samantha (Brent) Ward, Sarah Sutton, and Clay Walker; and great grandchildren, Emma and Ben Anderson. He is also survived by his beloved pets, Brownie and Becky, and many, many extended family members and dear friends.

Celebrations of Jerry’s life will be held in Crossville and Cincinnati, and all who knew and loved him are invited to attend. Crossville services will be held at Bilbrey Funeral Home on August 11, with the receiving of friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, followed by a service at 7:00. A service will be held at TP White & Sons Funeral Home in Cincinnati on August 13, with a receiving of friends at 10:00 and a short service at 11:00. The burial will follow immediately after at Williamsburg Cemetery, Williamsburg, Ohio.

Jerry was one of the kindest, most generous souls to have ever lived. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charities that he cared most deeply for, including Shriners Hospital for Children, Ohio; the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels; or Hospice of Cumberland County, Tennessee.

Arrangements and care provided by Bilbrey Funeral Home and Cremation Service.