Charles William "Chuck" Walker Jr.

Charles William “Chuck” Walker Jr., 67, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with early onset Frontal Temporal Dementia. Born on February 4, 1959, Chuck lived a life defined by deep faith, quiet strength, creative spirit, just enough mischief to keep things interesting, and a wonderfully dry sense of humor that often caught you by surprise. Chuck was preceded in death by his father, Charles William “Charlie” Walker Sr. He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 28 years, Jan Redmond Walker; his loving mother, Sue Gray Walker; and his brother, Doug Walker. To his family, Chuck was a constant — quiet but strong, thoughtful but mischievous. A graduate of Bearden High School, Class of 1977, Chuck went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology from William Jennings Bryan University. His Christian faith was the foundation of his life. It was not something he wore loudly — it was something he lived, consistently and humbly. He especially admired President Jimmy Carter, faithfully attending many of President Carter's Sunday School classes at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, GA, and was honored to volunteer alongside him with Habitat for Humanity. Proving that even a quiet man from Tennessee could wind up building houses and sharing his faith with a former president. Chuck was a gifted artist and nature photographer with an eye for beauty and detail. He could frame a photograph, design a one-of-a-kind painted rock, or grow flowers and trees that thrived under his patient care. He was a successful business owner, a Navy veteran, and a champion swimmer — the kind of swimmer who didn’t just get in the water but seemed to belong there. He had a deep love for Scotland and his Scottish heritage. He loved rock and roll music, the kind that demanded to be played with feeling. A self-proclaimed “coffee chef,” he took pride in a well-crafted cup of coffee (which he prepared with the seriousness of a master chef and the precision of a chemist). He loved geocaching and took special pride in designing unique geocoins that fellow geocachers still treasure. He found peace walking on the beach, hiking in the Smoky Mountains, camping beneath wide-open skies, and traveling wherever curiosity led. If there was a trail to explore or a shoreline to wander, he was content. He was known affectionately as Jan’s loyal “Sherpa” for her many ambitious and sometimes wild adventures. Whether it involved travel plans, off the beaten path excursions, or spontaneous ideas that required meticulous logistics, Chuck was there — steady, supportive, and quietly amused.Though soft-spoken, Chuck’s presence was steady and reassuring. He was a free spirit who believed in always taking the scenic route when possible. He was a diehard UT Vol fan. He loved watching the football Vols on Saturdays, and especially loved attending Lady Vol basketball games.Whether it was game day, or just a regular weekday, he proudly wore his Tennessee Orange for all to see. He was an animal lover who often preferred the honest companionship of animals to the complexities of people. If there was a dog, cat, or any pettable animal nearby, Chuck had already made a new friend. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate healthcare professionals at Amedisys Hospice for their devoted care. An extra special thank you is given to his Amedisys CNA, Markeesa, whose kindness and patient attention brought comfort, dignity, and gentle humor during his final days. There will be a Graveside Memorial Service, March 14, 2026 at 11am at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery, 4401 Sutherland Dr., Knoxville, TN 37919. Chuck’s nephew, Pastor Grant Redmond, will be officiating and Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann is in charge of the service. He will be buried with full military honors. Chuck was always most comfortable wearing his hiking clothes and trail or running shoes. So we ask anyone planning to attend his graveside service to come dressed according to his wishes in your most comfortable hiking, running, or other casual outdoorsy attire. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Brain Support Network at the weblink listed below. Chuck was a brain donor via this organization, continuing his lifelong generosity even in passing. Contributions to this nonprofit organization will help other families navigate the process of brain donation and support vital research into finding cures and treatments for the awful brain diseases of dementia and Alzheimer's. Donations may be made at: https://www.brainsupportnetwork.org/donate/ Chuck’s life was a testament to steady faith, artistic vision, loyalty, an off-beat sense of humor, and love of adventure. He was quiet but strong, gentle but unwavering, grounded yet free-spirited. He leaves behind a legacy of steadfast courage, beautiful images, blooming gardens, perfectly brewed coffee — and a reminder that sometimes the quietest people live the richest stories.

Tributes

Charles William "Chuck" Walker Jr.

February 4, 1959 - February 25, 2026