Rev. Richard L. Walker Jr

Rev. Walker was born on October 30, 1938 in Queens, NY to the late Rev. Richard L. Walker Sr. and Sylvia Marie Walker (Waters). He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Rosalee Elizabeth Walker (Key), daughter, Michele Ann, sisters, Edna Kathleen (Kathy) and Carol Ann. Reverend Walker attended and graduated from Thomas Edison high school in Jamaica, NY.

He married the love of his life, Rosalee Elizabeth Walker (Key) on July 15, 1961. Of this union, 3 daughters were born. Monica Lynette Walker (Fort), Cheryl E. Walker and Michele Ann Walker. In 1970, he accepted his call to ministry and moved his family to Wilmington, Delaware to work with the Church of God mission under the direction of Pastor Harold Harrison. In March of 1973, Rev. Walker completed a faith bible correspondence course then enrolled in the Anderson College, School of Theology and focused on Pastoral Studies. He has had the honor of preaching at a number of churches in the east and the midwest. During his lifelong devotion to ministry, he served on many different boards and committees such as; member of the usher board (NY), president of the local youth (NY), president of the state youth fellowship of NY, member of the youth choir (NY), senior choir (NY), sanctuary choir (DE), bass singer of the gospel sensation “Gents of Harmony”, co-chairman of the trustee board (NY, DE and Boyertown), church treasurer (DE), executive council member of the Church of God (East), adult Sunday school teacher (DE) and served several years as the Credentials Chairman for the Boyertown / Philadelphia Ministerial District.. He was also given the opportunity to travel to Haiti in 1983 with Project Partner to build a church. On October 13, 1985, Richard was installed as the head pastor of the Northside Church of God in Wilmington, Delaware.

Aside from his love for God and his family, his third love was trucks and buses. He started driving coach buses and trucks in NY in 1953. He retired from Oriole Chemical Carriers in 2000 after driving for 31 years with them as a teamster. He served as a shop steward and a driver trainer. He has received many safe driving awards, was a 2 time truck driving rodeo champ and was recognized for driving a total of 5.5 million miles. Richard also loved shooting pool, having family game days and watching sports, especially the Eagles; his favorite team. . .

After the passing of his wife, he joined the Belvedere Fire Company to serve as the department's Chaplin. While serving as Chaplin, he also served as a member of the board of directors, was a certified Emergency Medical Responder and a qualified driver helping with funeral and parade details. Because of his deep voice, he was affectionately nicknamed “God”. He received many awards for his devotion to the fire department until unable to attend functions.

Rev. Walker transitioned to heaven on Monday, May 28th 2024 while sleeping peacefully at his home. He leaves to cherish his memory, two daughters, Monica (Jay), Cheryl; three Grand children, Leah (Kelly), Jerry (Amanda), Brandon; 8 Great grandchildren, Rebeka Jeanne, Mikayla Rose, Ethan Daniel, Gabriel Michael, Michele Ann Fort, Zyana Lynette, Prince-Jerry Richard, Kenworth Bentley, one sister, Marsha Pierre and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 pm on Thursday, June 6 at Nichols-Gilmore Funeral Home, 212 E. Justis St. Newport, DE 19804.

Funeral Services will be at 11 am on Friday, June 7 at New Community Church, 116 W. 41st Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19802 where visitation will begin at 10 am. Burial will follow at Gracelawn Memorial Park.