Ronda H. Walker
July 8, 1943 - September 23, 2023

Ronda Henry Walker of Sneads Ferry, NC passed away peacefully at home on September 23, 2023, with his devoted wife of 60 years by his side. Ronda was 80 years old.

Ronda was born on July 8, 1943, in Lenoir, NC to the late Everett Walker and Elizabeth Grinarml. He is preceded in death by his stepmother, Henrietta Walker, and stepfather, Ed Grinarml. Ronda was blessed to have a big sister, Sylvia Jean Martin, of Chilhowie, Virginia.

Ronda is survived by his wife, Gearldean Laws Walker. Ronda and Gearldean were married on February 16, 1963, in the parsonage of Tabernacle Advent Christian Church in Lenoir, NC. Ronda is also survived by his children, Donald Walker of Maple Hill, NC, and Shannon Sessions (Tom), of Hampstead, NC. With great sadness, his son, Todd Walker, of Lenoir, NC, predeceased him by almost five years. Todd’s wife, Elizabeth Walker, was regarded by Ronda as a daughter as well. Ronda is survived by seven grandchildren (in order by age); Erica Kirkland (Chris) of Summerville, SC; Garrett Sessions (Brittany) of Durham, NC; Dustin Sessions (Heather) of Hampstead, NC; Alex Black of Hickory, NC; Shelby Sessions (Sarah-Gray) of Chicago, IL; Levi Walker of Maple Hill, NC; and Michael Walker of Maple Hill, NC. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren: Lily, Holden, and Everett Kirkland of Summerville, SC; Cambrian, Brooklyn and Axel Sessions of Hampstead, NC; and Isla Grace Gaither of Newton, NC. He is also survived by many precious nieces and nephews.

Ronda had a penchant for finding shark teeth and four-leaf clovers and had the ability to scare you with an unexpected, high-pitched yelp. His laugh could not be mistaken for anyone else’s, and the only one who could compare was his sister, Sylvia Jean. He loved cars and had the tendency to trade often in his younger days. At times, his children’s friends would refer to the driveway as Walker’s Used Car Lot. He loved hot fudge sundaes and could probably eat his weight in crab legs. When his children were younger, they were no match for him when it came to short sprints – he was fast! He loved Christmas, except for putting lights on the tree. He loved “clean” dumpster diving and scary ghost hunts and cried when people won in the game shows he loved to watch. Ronda had a pin-ball machine in his home and added an arcade to his grocery store, which he frequented quite often. This love of games extended to Nintendo and all the Zelda games they created. He loved to play card games. He took them quite seriously, was incredibly competitive, and did not cut anyone any slack, even his children. The family’s revenge was playing Scrabble, because spelling was not his strong suit. Ronda was a self-taught woodworker, able to make many things. He was most well-known for his bird houses, bird feeders, benches, and swings.

More recently he made fold-up Adirondack chairs, which were immensely popular. Ronda and Gearldean started vacationing at Topsail Island, NC near the beginning of their marriage. Until their move to the island in 1986, the family made yearly vacations and several mini trips each year. Sometimes, day trips took place, which were exciting, but long, since 1-40 had not been finished yet. Ronda owned W & W Supermarket in Lenoir, NC, for many years. After moving to the coast, he was employed by and retired from Frito Lay. Upon retirement, he worked part-time at Village Ace Hardware.

Prior to moving to the coast, Ronda and Gearldean were members of Tabernacle Advent Christian Church in Lenoir, NC. Upon moving, they joined Blake’s Chapel Advent Christian Church in Hampstead, NC. At Blake’s Chapel, Ronda was active in church activities to include men’s fellowship, the finance committee, and serving as a Deacon.

A memorial service will be held, Saturday, October 7th, at 11:00 a.m. at Blake’s Chapel Advent Christian Church at 88 Blakes Chapel Road, Hampstead, NC. A time to fellowship with the family will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Blake’s Chapel Advent Christian Church at 88 Blakes Chapel Road, Hampstead, NC, 28443.

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Coastal Cremations of Jacksonville is serving the family.