Leonard Ray Walker, 79, of Royse City, Texas, passed from this life on September 20, 2021. Ray was born on August 6, 1942, in Dallas, Texas, to Leonard Walker and Dalma Rae “Dot” (Martin) Walker. Ray was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Rockwall, Texas. Ray met his sweetheart, Frances Irene Wilson, at sixteen. Their love blossomed and they were married on August 6, 1959. Ray and Frances had 5 sons and spent 62 years together. They have made Royse City, TX their home since moving there in 1967.
Ray was an electrician by trade and a member of the Local 20 International Brotherhood of Electric Workers (IBEW) for over 50 years. He also obtained a teaching certificate from Texas A&M allowing him to pass his knowledge on to the next generation of electricians. Upon retirement, Ray and Frances traveled to Ohio to proudly serve as missionaries for their church. Ray was a car enthusiast, history buff, Buddy Holly fan, and an avid reader; some of his favorite authors included Louis L’Amour and Zane Grey. He was known for his endearing sense of humor. Handsome, as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren called him, prided himself on staying in touch with family and friends near and far regaling everyone with his storytelling and an endless array of jokes. Ray will be dearly missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Ray is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Frances Irene Walker; five sons: Guy Walker and June, Scot Walker and Kendra, Chris Walker, Brian Walker and Michaela, Leslie Walker and Carolina; grandchildren: Emily Roberts and Billy, Megan Evans, Matthew Walker, Ryan Walker, McKenlee Walker, Krista Garcia and Lorenzo, Sr., Marissa Walker, Samantha Davis, Kemme Walker, Maya Walker, Brandon Walker, Addisen Walker, Brooklyn Walker; great-grandchildren: Ethan, Ryleigh, Macie, Maggie, Liam, London, Octavia, Lorenzo, Jr., Sebastian, Gabriel; sisters: Sue Walker, Nancy Brightwell and Jim; cousin: Ann Casey and George; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other loved ones. Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Dalma Walker; brothers: Michael Walker and David Walker; and great-grandchild: Carter Roberts.
A funeral service to celebrate Ray is to be held on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, beginning at 1:00 PM, at Rest Haven Funeral Home – Rockwall location, with Bishop David Kern, officiating. The family will receive friends and loved ones before the service beginning at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park – Rockwall, Texas.
The service will also be live-streamed; please go to www.oneroomstreaming.com and click on the “watch your service” icon and use Event ID: resthavenrockwall and password: GC6K8S
