June 29, 1945 – November 6, 2024
MANTEO — Johnny L. Walker, 79, of Manteo, NC, took his final “exit stage right” and hung his dancing shoes up one last time on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 12:32 pm.
Johnny grew up in Alamance County, NC. He “step ball changed” his way across the world, leaving his footprints on thousands of stages and his fingerprints on countless hearts – Broadway shows, national tours, the NYC Opera Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Miami Ballet, Dallas Opera, folk dancing, free choreographic workshops and Park Center of Performing Arts in New York City to name a few.
He founded Walkerdance Ballet Theatre in Burlington, NC (formerly located in Elon, NC), where he brought the magic of The Nutcracker to Alamance County every Christmas.
Johnny spent many years performing in, choreographing, and directing the outdoor drama “The Lost Colony” on Roanoke Island, NC.
Johnny is survived by three brothers, Dr. Eddie Walker (Peggy) of Smithfield, VA, Jerry Walker (Tina) of Graham, NC, and Danny Walker (Diane) of Burlington, NC, as well as several nieces and nephews and numerous loving friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Andrew Walker, Sr., mother, Helen Somers Walker McKinney, sister Jo Helen Walker, brothers Tony Andrew Walker, Donnie Wayne Walker, Clyde “Andy” Walker, Jr. and Bobby Dean Walker (Beth), and nephew, Dustin Andrew Walker.
A celebration of Johnny’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Twiford Colony Chapel in Manteo, NC. Visit TwifordFH.com to livestream the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Walkerdance Ballet Theatre. Checks can be sent to 263 E Front St, Burlington, NC 27215 or donate via PayPal at https://bit.ly/WalkerdanceBallet.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
