Bold in stature, Joe was a man of diligent work ethic and determination.  Joe, affectionately known to family and friends as "Big Joe" will forever be remembered as a jokester and family man.

Joe Nathan Walker, Sr. completed his life's journey and serenely departed to his heavenly home on Wednesday, January 29, 2020.  He was born on September 30, 1945 to Pauline Smith and Charles Walker in Drew, Mississippi.  He moved to Shaw, Mississippi while still a young child and was raised by his great aunt and uncle, Bennie and Nettie Osborne.  He held a special place in his heart for stepfather, Woodrow Wilson, Sr.  Joe received his education at McEvans School where he played football.

Joe accepted Christ at an early age and remained a faithful member of Bethlehem #2 Missionary Baptist Church in Shaw, Mississippi under the leadership of Reverend Clarence Hunt until his heath failed him.  Through perseverance and diligence, Joe worked for many years and retired from Concrete Products in Cleveland, Mississippi in 1990.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Charles Walker, his mother, Pauline Smith; three brothers, Elijah Smith, Woodrow Wilson, Jr., and Roosevelt Wilson; and, one son, Anthony Walker.

A time to be remembered:  Joe leaves behind to honor his legacy a wife of 51 years, Hattie Walker of Shaw, MS.  He leaves to cherish his memory, eight children; Sophia(Keith) Shelton of Renova, MS; Sandy Dixon of Shaw, MS; Joe Nathan Walker, Jr of Shaw, MS; Leslie Walker of Livonia, MS; Doris Jones of Cleveland, MS; Anthony Short of Shaw, MS; Shundra Walker of Hattiesburg, MS; and Kendrick (Antori) Walker of Mound Bayou, MS, four brothers, LC Wilson of Clarksdale, MS; Willie (Cynitha) Wilson of Detroit, MI; Mandy (Hollis) Penn of Detroit, MI; Jeanette Cooper of Memphis, TN; Jackie Wilson of Clarksdale, MS; and, AQ Wilson of Hattiesburg, MS; twenty grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and, a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.