Benjamin Lee Walker

Benjamin Lee Walker, 71, of Newport, North Carolina, entered eternal life on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at Carteret Health Care.

He was born on July 29, 1951, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to Dana and Sarah Walker. Benjamin honorably served his country in the United States Army. He worked for Georgia Pacific Pulp Mill in Brunswick, Georgia for about 15 years.

Benjamin was big-hearted and never met a stranger, and if he did, they were sure to be friends before the conversation was over. He had a quick wit and sense of humor that impacted everyone he met, including both children and adults. He was a mentor for people of all ages and welcomed everyone into his home. Because of his love for helping and supporting others, he was led to volunteer for the Salvation Army and local soup kitchens.

When Benjamin took time for himself, he enjoyed playing music, including blues, country, and southern rock.  He had a natural gift for singing and playing the guitar and keyboard. He played in two bands while living in Georgia, including, The New Dixie Highway Band and The Georgia Heartbeat Band.  He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and hunting. Catching trout in December brought him pure joy, and he sure had a knack for it. Cooking was another way he enjoyed feeding his soul and bringing others together. An annual crawfish boil for the past several years brightened the lives of friends and family with his love for serving others.  He also spent time gardening, as he had a gift for growing things from seed, such as collard greens, jalapeno and cayenne peppers, tomatoes, new potatoes, beans, garlic and onions. His backyard chickens provided joy for him daily. He loved feeding them from his hand and sitting with them as they roamed around. Purple Martins were one of his favorite birds to sit and enjoy watching with a good cup of coffee.  He worked hard to create a safe nesting place for them to return to annually. Benjamin also loved his sweet dogs Ripple and Sailey. While loving and enjoying all those things, most importantly, he loved and supported his family each and every day.

Benjamin, a loving husband and father, is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Susan Bross-Walker, in home, and their three children, Keenan (Ashlyn) Bross-Walker, Kynon (Molly) Bross-Walker and Lynlee (Eric) Brinkley; his former spouse, Rebecca Rose, and their two children, Brandi (Scott) Walker-Whitfield and Spring (Chad) Walker-Tyler. Grandchildren include Noah and Lindi Hoersten and Arizona and Penn Tyler; sisters, Hannah Alexander of Rome Ga.  Mary (Jim) Daugharty of Lake Park Ga, and Victoria (David) Grant of Franklin Tn.  He had numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many friends that considered him family.

Benjamin was preceded in death by his parents, Dana and Sarah Walker; and a brother, David Hawthorn Harcourt.

In the words and memory of singer/songwriter, John Prine, Benjamin Walker wants y’all to know, “this old man is going to town.”  As Benjamin always said near the end of any gathering… “Thank y’all for comin!”

His memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, December 17th at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Morehead City, officiated by The Reverend Dr. John Pollock.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Ste. 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.