Claude Jackson Walker

Claude Jackson Walker passed away peacefully at Terra Bella Assisted Living Facility in Hillsborough, North Carolina on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the age of 102 years. He was born on March 20, 1924, to Mary Woods Walker and Miller Jackson Walker, just north of Hillsborough in the Schley Community. Claude was preceded in death by his wife of 78 years, Naydene Jeanette Ray Walker of Hillsborough, NC, who died on October 5, 2022, at age 95.

Claude J. Walker is survived by three children, Claude Ray Walker (Kate) of Durham, Claudene Walker Korba of Hillsborough, and Ricky Lee Walker (Meri) of Pilot Mt., N.C. In addition, he is survived by a grandson, Alek Walker (Izzy Bunch) of Oregon, and step grandsons Chad and William Follett of Pilot Mt., Nick Follett of New Mexico, Matt (Maggi) Follett and a step great grandson, Orion, of Ohio. Also, a step grandson, David Weber (Sara) and four step great grandchildren, Walker Weber, Mary Elizabeth Weber, William Weber, and Harrison Weber of Florida. A grandson, Ricky Lee Walker, Jr., preceded his grandfather in death in 2018.

Claude J. Walker is predeceased by all his six siblings, as follows: Martha Walker Walker (1914-2009), Robert Young Walker (1917-2006), John Knox Walker (1919-2004), Lois Walker Hawkins (1921-2011), Marvin James Walker (1926-2017), and Peggy Joyce Walker Terry (1933-1994).

Mr. Walker had a long career as a master machinist working at McEwen Hosiery Mill in Burlington, NC, followed by a position in the Physics Dept. at Duke University, and then a twenty-five-year period working in the Research Dept. at Liggett and Myers Tobacco Company from which he took an early retirement in order to return to the Bio-Medical Engineering Dept. at Duke University for ten years, ultimately retiring there on March 31, 1989.

He has one U.S. Patent accredited to his name for the Reddy Rod and Reel Case used for protection and transporting a bamboo fly rod fully assembled and ready for fishing. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, boating, waterskiing and exploring nature in the woods. He was a caller at local square dances in his youth. He enjoyed golfing and played in the Eno Seniors Tournament for six years. Claude also enjoyed photography and has quite a library of slides depicting his family, friends, and travels. He and his wife enjoyed traveling in their motor home which took them to all fifty states, except Alaska and Hawaii, which were visited by air and cruise ship. Claude was also fascinated with trains, and they took numerous train trips in later years through some of the western states.

Claude Walker and his wife were founding members of the Hillsborough Seventh-Day Adventist Church, and devoted themselves to its members, growth and service. He was a Sabbath Schoolteacher, elder and first elder for over thirty years. He was also a member of the Hillsborough Exchange Club for about 19 years, a member of the D.A.V. and the American Legion for many years. Claude was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corps in February 1943 and honorably discharged in February 1945. He was stationed at numerous military installations during his service from Fort Bragg, N.C., St. Petersburg, FL, Salt Lake City Airbase, Utah, Amarillo Airbase, TX, the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, NE, and Kelly Field Airbase, San Antonio, TX.

A Funeral Service will be held at Walker’s Funeral Home Chapel, 204 N. Churton St., Hillsborough, NC on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. Visitation for family and friends to gather before the service will begin at 1:00 p.m. The burial will directly follow at Cross Roads Baptist Church Cemetery, 3216 Orange Grove Rd., Hillsborough, NC 27278.

Flowers as well as donations to the Hillsborough Seventh-Day Adventist Church Building Fund are appreciated memorials. Donations can be made by check, via U.S. Mail to: Hillsborough SDA Church, Att: Pastor Will Oosthuizen, 1808 NC Hwy 86 N, Hillsborough, NC 27278-7518; or via the online site at: https://hillsboroughadventist.org/ ; https://adventistgiving.org/donate/ANT8H3 .