Michael Walker Obituary

October 18, 1948 – November 2, 2023

KNOXVILLE - Michael Thomas Walker, known as Travis, to most, passed away November 2, 2023 in Knoxville, TN. He passed away with his family by his side. Travis was a devoted father to Preston Travis Walker and Bryan Michael Walker. He was an excellent cook, perfecting his barbequing and gumbos. Travis won several national BBQ competitions, where his ribs were always noted as a standout. Travis was known for showing his love and appreciation for others by cooking for, and sharing meals with his boys, family, and friends. He was a generous man and loved to do things for others. At Thanksgiving or Christmas, Travis would smoke dozens of turkeys and hams for his neighbors, friends, and those in need.

Travis graduated from Science Hill High School in Johnson City in 1966. Travis participated in the Opto Club, Pep Club, ROTC, and Yell Squad. His senior year, Travis was voted Most School Spirted and was in his school play. Travis graduated and went on to Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens, TN and worked at his father's Ice and Coal business during the summers.

Travis joined the Air Force April 7, 1970. He completed his basic training at Lackland AFB in Texas, and then went to Arkansas, Goldsboro, NC, Otis AFB then to Turkey as a military police officer. One of Travis's fondest memories, while serving, was writing letters back and forth with his sister who was holding things down back home. While in the service, his unit helped build and restore the Avant House in Mashpee, Mass., which is still open to this day. He was honorably discharged on the 5th of April 1974. After his service he started his career in construction. Travis worked for Testerman Construction, Schaad Construction, and even opened his own construction company for a few years. Travis built many of the shopping centers and subdivisions in Knoxville, Tn. He shared his craft with his boys, who are now excellent builders/carpenters/handymen. Travis was active member of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church until he lost his mobility. Travis loved to watch his sons play and coach soccer. He also loved to go to races and watch football games with them. He truly loved his family.

Travis was preceded in death by his parents, Cloyd and Sara Walker of Johnson City, TN., and survived by sons Preston Travis Walker and Bryan Michael Walker (Mandy, wife and Ari Grace, granddaughter) all from Knoxville; sister, Sally Walker Duncan (Harmon, husband); his former wife and mother of his children, Linda Kocur Walker (Butch Hofferbert, husband).

Receiving of friends will be held at Cokesbury Methodist Church in Knoxville, TN on November 12 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The graveside service, with military honors, will be held at the Veterans Mountain Home Cemetery in Johnson City on November 20th at 1:00pm.

Special thanks to all of the doctors and nurses at Park West Hospital that made his last days as comfortable as possible.

In lieu of flowers you may send a memorial contribution to the Tennessee Wesleyan University Advancement office, 204 E College St, Athens, TN 37934 or call 423-746-5330.