Gene Walker

Marion, Virginia

Gene Walker, of Marion, VA died Thursday, May 22, 2025 surrounded by family at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville, TN after a brief illness.

Gene Walker was above all a man who loved his family. He cherished his children Brian and Beth and his grandchildren Taylor, Hayley, and Miles above all others. Nothing brought him more joy than travelling to their various events or taking them each year to buy shoes before the start of the school year. He found the love of his life Marilyn Jean Walker and they were married in 2001. They were lucky to have 14 wonderful years together before her passing in 2015. He loved Marilyn’s children Scott, Julie and Michael as if they were his own and had very special relationships with each of them and their children. His face would light up when he talked about his family. He was so proud of them. He would have done, and often did, absolutely anything for them.

Gene was born March 31, 1949 and grew up in Seven Mile Ford, VA. Seven Mile Ford was always a part of Gene and he was always a part of that community. As the owner and operator of Walker’s Market, the vegetable and produce stand that his father opened over 50 years ago, Gene was always there to greet his customers with a warm smile, a big hello, a rich knowledge of flowers and plants, and often a little discount. Over the years he had many people helping make the market a success, but was especially thankful for Margaret, Kathy, and the late Oscar Wyatt.

Gene attended Pfieffer College graduating in 1971. He was married to his first wife Dawn (Cox) Holley in 1971 and began teaching in Mt Airy, NC before returning to Smyth County in 1975 and teaching World History and Geography at Marion Middle School. He moved to Marion Senior High School in 1977 and accepted the job of cross country and track coach – a sport which he knew absolutely nothing about at the time. He then began a coaching career that would span 30 years and impact countless lives.

Coach Walker was one of the most decorated and successful coaches in the history of Marion Senior High School and all of southwestern Virginia. He led his teams to dozens of team district titles in track and cross county, several regional championships, and a 1982 state championship in cross country. On an individual level he coached hundreds of district and regional champs and helped several of his athletes reach the ultimate goal – a state championship. His career was book-ended with two trips to California for the Foot Locker National Championships and two All American performances – the only thing that could have ever gotten him on an airplane! But more than the accomplishments and accolades, Coach Walker’s lasting impact was the role he played in his runners’ lives. As one favorite former athlete noted – “he didn’t just coach us, he shaped us.” Coach Walker was always there with the right words of encouragement, a funny remark, or just his presence when it was needed. He stayed involved in their lives well after they graduated and was a surrogate father figure to so, so many people when they needed it most.

Gene was a member of First United Methodist Church where he was instrumental in beginning and leading the Food Pantry program which has provided food security to many folks in the community in their times of need.

Simply put – Gene Walker is a legend, although he would be the last one to ever admit it or want to hear it said. His legacy of kindness, warmth, and compassion will forever live on in the multitude of lives that he touched over his 76 years on earth. We know that he is looking down now with his famous “Walker eye roll” and wondering why everyone is making such a fuss over him, but that’s ok. He deserves it.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn and his parents Harold and Elsie Pulliam Walker.

Gene is survived by daughter, Beth Farris and husband, Brian of Marion, Va.; son, Brian Walker and wife, Julie of Marion, Va.; step-children, Scott (Pia), Michael and their children; cousin and best friend, Thomas McGhee; very special short friend Susan Sneed; many special cousins and a multitude of friends.

Gene’s family will receive friends Tuesday, May 27, 2025 from 5 until 8 p.m. at Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Chapel, 237 East Main Street, Marion, Va. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 115 South Church Street, Marion, Va. with Reverend Dr. James Bennington officiating. Burial will follow in Middle Fork Cemetery, Middle Fork Road, Chilhowie, Va. Pallbearers (representing all of the athletes whose lives he impacted): Paul Morrison, Fleet Hower, Greg Hoofnagle, Daniel Hall, Michael Suarez and Tim Cline.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the FUMC Food Pantry (attn: Treasurer 115 South Church Street, Marion VA 24354) or the MSHS cross country program (attn CC Program, 848 Stage Street, Marion VA 24354.)

To share memories of Gene Walker, please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Gene has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion VA 24354.