Patty Walker

Patricia (Patty) Fuqua Walker passed away peacefully surrounded by family the morning of Monday,

September 22, 2025. She was 90 years old.

Patty was born in Detroit, MI and grew up in Gainesboro, TN. She graduated from Jackson County High

School and received her nursing degree from the University of Tennessee in Memphis where she met

her husband Kirby. Together, they moved to Hawaii while he served in the military. Afterwards, they

made Jackson, MS home where they raised two boys before moving back to Patty’s homestead in

Gainesboro.

Patty practiced as an RN for many years. Although retired from full-time bedside nursing, she was well-

loved as the camp nurse at Alpine Camp for Boys in Mentone, AL. She stayed active in her nursing

alumni association and was even given the Most Supportive Alumnus Award in 1990. She enjoyed

tennis, needlework, and a good book. Patty ultimately became the consummate homemaker and was an

amazing cook. Her family notes that “everything Oma made started with ‘melt a stick of butter and....’”

She loved to entertain and to take care of her extended family. She was the protector of the family

Bible and of all the names in it.

Patty is survived by her son, William (Bill) D. Walker and wife Mary; grandson Willis (Will) R. Walker and

wife Erica; granddaughter Elise Walker Cottam and husband Kole; and three great grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents Willis G Fuqua and Elise Raggio Fuqua; her husband of 66

years, Kirby P. Walker, Jr.; and her son Kirby (Kip) P. Walker, III.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, October 25th at 1:00pm at Rob Draper Memorial Cemetery in

Gainsboro, TN. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Interfaith Health Clinic in

Knoxville, TN.

Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home in charge of local arrangements.  931-268-1550