The family of Marshall Lee Walker will gather with friends for a funeral service today (1/29/24) at St. John Baptist Church, Alcoa. Mr. Walker, 75, passed away January 22, 2024, at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. Family will receive friends from noon to 1 p.m. with the service at 1. Interment will follow at Berry Highland South.
Mr. Walker was one of the first Black students at Fulton High School, graduating in 1966. He was a standout athlete and played football at Florida A&M. He returned home and earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Tennessee. He was employed by the Tennessee Department of Parole, the Knoxville City Schools and the Tennessee Department of Human Services.
Marshall Walker was a passionate advocate for his younger brother, Jackie Walker, who also played football at Fulton High and at the University of Tennessee. During his Vol career, Walker intercepted 11 passes, five of which he returned for touchdowns. He caused six fumbles and recovered four. Tennessee posted a record of 30-5 during Walker’s three-year stint as a starting linebacker. More info here.
Jackie Walker died in 2002 at age 52 in Atlanta of complications of AIDS.
Marshall Walker understood the challenges his brother had faced and he promised to secure the recognition Jackie deserved. He skillfully gathered media support and then support from Jackie’s former coaches and teammates. Jackie Walker was inducted in the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 and into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.
Marshall Walker left two daughters, three granddaughters and two sisters. The full obituary is here.