Walker, William R.

William R. (Bill) Walker, 81, died in Phoenix, Arizona, on March 21, 2007. The son of Sophia and Roy Walker of Waverly, Nebraska, he was reared by Evelyn and Albert Carlson after the death of his parents.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 57 years, Loreta Coe Walker; son, Jim Walker and wife Alice; daughter, JoEllen Walker; son, Mike Walker and wife Wendy Wagner; grandchildren, Kaitlin, Coe, Will, and Rebecca Walker. He was the “adopted father” to many international students and their families.

With degrees in both engineering and law, Bill had an early career with U.S. Gypsum before he joined the faculty of Virginia Tech and was the first director of the Virginia Water Resources Research Center. In this capacity, he earned respect for leadership in state and national water resource professional organizations.

A memorial service will be held at the Blacksburg United Methodist Church on June 9, 2007. Memorial contributions may be made to the William Walker Graduate Fellowship, University Development Office, 902 Prices Fork Road (0336), Blacksburg, Va. 24061 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.