Dr. Kirby P. Walker, Jr.

Dr. Kirby Pipkin Walker, Jr., 90, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, October 28, 2023, in Knoxville, TN with his wife by his side.

Dr. Walker, formerly of Jackson, MS and Gainesboro, TN, is survived by his wife of 66 years, Patricia Fuqua Walker, his son William D. Walker (“Bill”) and wife Mary, his grandson Willis R. Walker (“Will”) and wife Erica, granddaughter Elise W. Cottam and husband Kole, and great-granddaughter Callie A. Cottam. Dr. Walker is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Kirby P. Walker, Sr. (Frances) and a son, Kirby P. Walker, III (“Kip”).

Dr. Walker was born April 14, 1933, in Hattiesburg, MS and graduated from Central High School (Jackson, MS) in 1951. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and his graduate studies at the University of Tennessee, College of Dentistry in Memphis. He served his country as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps attached to Fleet Marine Force Pacific in 1957-58.

As a general dentist in Jackson, MS, Dr. Walker operated a private practice for 30 years. During that time, he served as president of the Jackson, MS Dental Society, the 4th District Dental Society, the Mississippi Dental Association, and the William R. Wright Study Club. He was an Assistant Professor of Oral Microbiology at the University Medical Center and was recognized as a life member of both the Mississippi and American Dental Associations. Additionally, Dr. Walker was part of the Mississippi Governor’s Committee which helped pass legislation and raise funds to establish the School of Dentistry at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. A long-time supporter of the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry Alumni Association, Dr. Walker was named an outstanding alumnus and received a distinguished service award. He was instrumental in raising funds for the UT dental program and was named a member of the UT Benefactors Society and a member of the UT Development Council.

Dr. Walker was an avid sportsman, a hobby he passed to his children and grandchildren. He began travelling to southern Africa in 1967 for large-game trophy hunting and made 25 trips during his lifetime. He also travelled to Central and South America for antelope and wing shooting. Closer to home, Dr. Walker enjoyed the hunt for deer, quail, pheasant, and waterfowl. He maintained a trophy room in his home and loved to retell hunting stories to his visitors.

After Dr. Walker sold his dental practice in 1989, he and his wife moved to a family farm in Gainesboro, TN. There he remained active as an outdoorsman and deacon and treasurer for the Gainesboro Church of Christ. The Walkers moved to Tellico, TN in 2021 and then to Knoxville, TN in 2022 to be closer to family.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00pm Friday, November 3 at Rob Draper Memorial Cemetery in Gainsboro, TN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pheasants Forever, St. Paul, MN or the charity of your choice.