The second child born to Reverend Roosevelt Leon Walker, Sr., and Lemon [Pace] Walker arrived on November 9, 1937, safely in the parsonage of the Smith Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Monroe, Georgia.

Better known as Elder R. L. Walker, he began his elementary education at the Whistler School in Whistler, Alabama and then the Anna T. Jean School in Fairhope, Alabama. He continued his education in High School at the A.M.E. Zion School, Lomax-Hannon, at Greenville, Alabama and graduated from the Crenshaw County High School in Luverne, Alabama.

Ironically, while under his father's Luverne Pastorate, Rev. Roosevelt, Jr., had the opportunity to attend the first mass meeting of the Montgomery Improvement Association, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was chosen to be the leader and at that same meeting, plans were laid out to boycott the buses in Montgomery, Alabama.

Elder Walker attended this meeting with his father and his siblings. This experience motivated and inspired him to later affiliate himself with the Civil Rights Movements, most of which took place in the state of Mississippi, along with attending Jackson Theological Seminary, in Mississippi.

The family moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1957. They joined the Israel A.M.E. Zion Church, where he later preached his trial sermon. Three children, Sandra, Randall, Reginald and a grandson, Jamal, were born to a previous marriage. He later attended Clinton College, Rock Hill, South Carolina, [another A.M.E. Zion School]. He pastored the Zion Fountain A.M.E. Zion Church in Brewton, Alabama. Later moving to Oklahoma, He pastored Walls Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In 1984, he served as Chaplain of the Tulsa Oklahoma Senators. Elder Walker united with Alberta J. Williams. This union brought six children and spouses, seventeen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren to the family.

He pastored Bethel A.M.E. Church and Childs Chapel A.M.E. in Boley, Oklahoma. His additional assignments as Pastor included Shorter Chapel A.M.E. Church in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, Bethel A.M.E. Church in Muskogee, Oklahoma, St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Jonesboro, Arkansas, Bethel A.M.E. Church, Batesville, Arkansas, Visitors Chapel A.M.E. Church, Hot Springs, Arkansas, St. John A.M.E. Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma, First A.M.E. Church, Oklahoma City and from 2000 to 2004, he served as Presiding Elder over the Muskogee District of African Methodist Episcopal Churches. He soon stepped down from this position dut to his health.

A long-time Pastor, he, like his dad, enjoyed conducting revivals and a special pleasure of his was singing with his family at some of the family gatherings. One of his greatest joys was to talk about and acknowledge the special blessing of his brother having been elevated to the highest office of the church, a Bishop in the A.M.E. Zion Church, who at this time is the Senior Bishop. He was also happy that his brother-in-law, Presiding Elder of the Chicago District, and his son and three nephews are all in the preaching ministry.

Elder Walker gave to the church, every ounce of energy that he had in all of the capacities he served. Having been born in the Church, he knew of nothing else to do because "Church and Serving God" was his life. Even during his latest conversations with whomever, [when able to talk], he was always building a church, conducting meetings of some sort, advising a group of young folk, preparing to meet with steward and trustee boards and going to conferences.

Elder Walker served as Director of Evangelism of the Central Northeast Oklahoma Conference. He organized and conducted Evangelist Crusades as well as membership crusades, organized training sessions in local churches for evangelistic purposes.

A beautiful testimonial of the life of Presiding Elder and Mrs. Walker, in honor of his retirement, was celebrated in high style, by the Central Northeast Oklahoma Conference, including all districts, as well as the local membership. Music was rendered by the Central Northeast Oklahoma Conference Choir. It was called "The Celebration of Ministry," A night to remember. It consisted of a delicious dinner and well organized program. It was held at his home church, Vernon A.M.E. Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

His darling wife, Alberta and the immediate family, the dogs and cats [of the home] were his pride and joy, as they loved, respected, cared for him and did everything in their power to make him comfortable. Each of the children and grandchildren had a hand in his care and comfort, especially "San", who was always present and even sat by his bedside all night during his final days. A very special friend, Reverend John W. Forbes, III, who was always there for him, spent many days taking him to lunch as well as visiting him somethimes as often as three times a week and recently sat and read to him each night as he was making his transition.

Elder Walker, loved by all, had the love and support of his Bishop, Presiding Elders, his Pastor, who spent much time also by his bedside reading and praying with him. All of his pastors over whom he presided as well as the laity of the church, all of whom he thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed. His caretakers all took a special liking to him and enjoyed his jovial personality. When he became unable to drive across his district, Mrs. Walker and some of his pastors did his driving and conducted some of his Quarters. The secretary and Mrs. Walker saw to it that his work was done up until he made the decision to retire.

Elder Walker continued to do what he enjoyed doing, when he attended Bible Study at the nursing home, he would sometimes just get so excited and involved in trying to assist with the teaching. Four months ago, August of 2006, when his sister and brother-in-law visited him, at the request of Mrs.
Walker, his sister played about seven hymns and songs. He positioned himself in his wheel chair, closed his eyes and sang along with them each song, from the depths of his heart, still remembereing at least three verses of each as he would invite those who were passing by to "come on over, we'll be getting services started shortly."

Presiding Elder R. L. Walker, in his 69th year, journeyed "That Highway called Holiness" on Saturday morning, December 30, 2006 from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

He leaves in God's care; his devoted wife of 25 years, Alberta Walker, of the home in Tulsa; a daughter, Sandra Ford and her son, Jamal Ford, Miami, Florida; two sons, Randall Walker and Reginald Walker, Redbird, Oklahoma; sons, Reginald William [Miriam], Memphis, Tennessee and Dwayne Williams [Dwan], Edmond, Oklahoma; daughters, Elaina Williams, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Darryl Williams [Tammey], Tulsa, Oklahoma, Sandra Bell [Tye], Tulsa, Oklahoma, Kelly Howard [Delano], Bartlesville, Oklahoma; a brother, Bishop George W. Walker [Geraldine], Waxhaw, North Carolina; a sister, Olivia Christopher [Claude], Glenwood, Illinois; nineteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a play daughter, DeDe Sylvan; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The Farewell Tribute to Elder Walker will be held on Friday, January 5, 2006 at 11:00 A.M. in the Sanctuary of the Vernon AME Church, 311 North Greenwood Avenue in Tulsa. Reverend Michelle Moulden, Pastor, will officiate. The Christian Committal will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Park, corner of Admiral Street and Yale Avenue in Tulsa.

You may visit Elder Walker, as he slumbers in the All Faiths Chapel of the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., in Tulsa on Thursday from 10 AM to 6 PM. The family will be present at the Wake from 6 PM to 7 PM at the funeral home.