Life story

"Judson “Earl” Walker, Jr, 85, of Ridgeland went home to see Jesus on May 24, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Earl was born May 31, 1938, to Judson Earl Walker, Sr., and Ruth Phipps Walker, in Jackson. He grew up attending Jackson Public Schools and was in the first graduating class of Provine High School in 1956. There he was voted most handsome, most athletic and was the captain of the football team. He graduated from Mississippi College with a degree in accounting. He started his career working as a CPA at an accounting firm in Dallas for a few years before moving back to Jackson to work with his dad at the Jackson Casket Company and Metal Products.

He later went on to work at the Policy Center where he sold insurance to rural water associations and worked with their boards of directors. He retired in 2022.

Earl was the President of the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District for 25 years, a volunteer position which he deeply loved and where he was instrumental in working to get the Causeway built across the Barnett Reservoir. He was also President of the Mississippi Sports Council for several decades, an organization devoted to promoting college and professional football events in the capital city, such as the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles pre-season game at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in 1995 together with numerous sporting events.

A practical joker, Earl lived his life to the fullest. He loved laughing and telling stories of his childhood and adult life. While he had many accomplishments in life, his greatest joy was fathering his six children and being a grandfather to his beautiful grandchildren and great grandchildren. In 2002, Earl would meet the love of his life, Becky Bourn. The two were married for 21 years and enjoyed their life together attending football games, plays, the symphony and most importantly First Baptist Jackson where he was an active member of his Sunday school class.

Earl was an avid animal lover growing up with horses and dogs. He recently lost his longtime German Shepherd companion, “Maila”, a dog he would say was the best dog he ever had.

In 2014, after losing his son, “Jud”, Earl’s relationship with God became stronger than ever. It was during this time, Earl would begin witnessing to whoever would listen. He would always say it is never too late to come to God. He witnessed his faith and love of Jesus Christ to hundreds.

Earl is survived by his loving wife, Becky Walker, his children, Lorin Lewis (Mark); Tressa Guynes (Jeff), Lezlin Wallace (Bert), Niven Walker, Kelci Walters (Shawn); his stepchildren, Trey Bourn (Katie) and Jenny Woodruff Wilson (Jay). Earl is also survived by his grandchildren, Lindy West (Griffin), Laura Lee Allen (Will); Bekah and Nate Woodruff; Mallyn, Gracie and Hunt Walters; and Cate and Austin Bourn; and his great grandchildren, Vivian West, Rosemary West and Griffin West, Jr.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Judson Earl Walker, Sr. and Ruth Phipps Walker. His son, Judson Earl Walker, III, and his brother, Dan Walker.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 29 at 2 p.m. at the chapel at First Baptist Jackson followed by a small reception at the church. Memorials can be made to French Camp Academy and Gateway Rescue Mission."