Grover Sylvester Walker

Grover Sylvester Walker – passed away peacefully, at the age of 89.  Beloved husband of almost seventy years to Anna Walker. Cherished Father to Howard Walker (Darla daughter-in-law) and Debbie Williams (Mark son-in-law). Precious Papaw to Tiffany Bethmann (Cort), Brett Williams (Jody) Jamie Vass (Alan), and our angel Kasey Williams. Beloved Great-Papaw Walker to Rielly Bethmann-Walsh (Connor) Chaise Bethmann, MaKayla Bettes-Vass, Kailee Grace Bethmann, Ansley, Aliza, and Arbor Williams. Siblings: Dillo Walker (Melodie), Kenniwick, Wa., Vandilla Fielden (Carl, Deceased), Hollis Walker, Phyllis Cupp (Ronel), all of Knoxville, Gelen Walker (Aretta) Maynardville, Tn. Marlene Mays (Gary) of Powell, Tn. Numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, Dexter and Grace Walker of New Tazewell, Tn. brother; John Leroy (Eula) Walker, sister; Priscilla Thornhill {Clarence), granddaughter; Kasey Williams, all of Knoxville. Grover is the second oldest son of nine children. From a young age, work was instilled into him. He grew up in a generation that wasn’t afraid to work and save. He would tell his grandkids of the cheese lines he had to stand in through the great depression as they all would snack on an oatmeal pie around his kitchen table. Grover climbed the ranks of the Orkin’s Pest Control Corp. Yet he had a dream, and a vision to start his own company. After convincing his business partner and love of his life, Anna, he moved his family of four to Fountain City where he purchased a pest control company. He and Anna embarked on the adventure of their lifetime as business builders. That spark of a dream grew to employing several family members and becoming a stable small business corporation that still is thriving today in Fountain City and Tazewell, and other surrounding areas of Knoxville. Grover had the pleasure of buying a piece of his heritage land and it became known as “The Country” and “The Farm” to the generations to come. That land has proven to be a huge piece of the Walker’s legacy and upbringing to their generations. Two of the four grandbabies' births were paid by a crop of tobacco raised on those acres. Lots of cherished memories are shared among the family from hauling hay, harvesting corn, dealing with the cattle, riding tractors, visiting neighbors, charging Papaw’s market tab account with bologna sandwiches, Coke, candy, gathering the spring water with Mamaw and Papaw, camp outs, and many more. Grover held a 12th grade education, and yet would say he graduated from the school of Hard knocks. One of his famous sayings from his so-called economics class of Hard knocks, “A man may have a million dollars and seem rich to others, but if he spends a million and one dollars, you're still broke.” Education was something very important to Grover and he put an emphasis on it and made sure any grandkid on his after-school watch would have homework done before any playing could take place. Grover would spend the latter of his years working the land at the farm, trading cattle, horses, and coon dogs. Anna made sure he had the best of the best farm toys and made sure the Co-op account and tab stayed paid up. They were a power couple for sure. Grover’s personality and sense of humor were one of a kind.  Most of the time he would keep a straight face, yet he was known for his prankster’s moves and giving you a hard time. He would stick out his tongue and then laugh and smile back at you. Grover made the term picking cool before American Pickers did. He loved collecting neat trinkets and stuff he would find around town or at other buddy’s farms. He would stack it in the basement, and during the Cousin Sleepover Parties hosted by Mamaw and Papaw, he would release the grandkids on a garage treasure hunt. He loved and adored his wife and family.  If he wasn't at the farm or coon hunting, he was spending time, doing something with family, or watching the news so he could inform each of us of the weather and what the economy was doing. He had a soft spot for others. He would always be sticking up for the hard workers and making sure to drop off the plunders from his crop to friends and family. He was loyal, tenacious, loving, kind, a fierce negotiator, tender hearted after you pulled those layers away, always generous, a straight talker, cherished his naps, and a family man through and through. The family will receive friends at Mynatt Funeral Home Friday from 1:00pm–2:00pm located at 2829 Rennoc Rd, Knoxville, TN 37918 followed by a funeral service with Rev. Mark Williams officiating. Interment to follow at Lynnhurst Cemetery located 2300 Adair Dr, Knoxville, TN 37918. In lieu of flowers, we are requesting that donations be made to either the Sacred Ground Hospice House located at 1120 Dry Gap Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918, or to Lyons Creek Baptist Church located at 9235 Strawberry Plains Pike, Strawberry Plains, Tn 37871. Condolences may be left at www.mynattfh.com.