O.R. “Bubba” Walke passed away peacefully on April 8, 2024, after a short illness, surrounded by his loved ones.
Bubba lived a life full of compassion, kindness and unwavering love and dedication to his family and friends. His infectious smile, gentle spirit, easygoing and charismatic personality made him loved and respected by all who knew him. He was hard working, patient, selfless, determined and dedicated and never gave up on anything he put his mind to. He could and would do just about anything for anyone. He always kept a positive attitude and always had a smile or encouraging word.
In 1972 he married Kathy, his high school sweetheart and love of his life. She was his bride for 51 years and they were the true example of unconditional and everlasting love. His family was his greatest joy and he instilled in them the true values of life.
Bubba grew up attending Biltmore Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia and was a member of Outer Banks Baptist Church in Kill Devil Hills, NC since 1990. Bubba graduated Craddock High School in 1970 and attended COA of Elizabeth City, NC for 2 years. His passion for baseball led him to coach many little league teams and inspired many local kids to love the sport as much as he did. He also enjoyed fishing and golfing and being outside on a beautiful day. His lawn was always cut just the way he liked and he spent many days cutting grass, working on cars or boats or doing whatever he could for his friends, family and neighbors.
Bubba started his career in 1976 as an engineering technician at the NNSY. In 1985 he moved his family to the Outer Banks of NC. He built a home for his family in Kill Devil Hills from the ground up with the help of his family and friends while continuing his full- time career driving back and forth to Virgina every day to work. He made many sacrifices to provide his family with the best life he could give. Bubba retired from the NNSY in 2008 and started his own mobile RV business on the Outer Banks.
In the latest years of his life he cherished quality time with his family and friends. He liked to stay busy so he began woodworking and created many beautiful pieces for his family and friends. He and Kathy enjoyed countless hours of time together driving on the beach, fishing in Hatteras, catching pompano from the shoreline and hanging out with their campground family of Island Hide-A-Way in Buxton, NC.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy C Walke, of KDH, NC. His children, Nick Walke (April) of KDH, NC, Summer Copeland (Cameron) of KDH, NC, Lacie Smith of KDH, NC, Kassie Nabriat (David & 3 children) of Newport News, VA, Kristina Christopher Walke (5 Children) of Newport News, VA and Kimberly Christopher Walke of Newport News, VA. His grandchildren, Jamie Goudy (Kevin), Ashley Walke, Mackenzie Copeland, Tristan Copeland, Colby Walke, Jaylen Copeland, Aspyn Copeland, Hannah Smith and Alivia Smith. His great-grandchildren, Emersyn Ivy and Kennedy Ann and a special little one on the way. His loving 98-year-old mother, Frances “Frankie” Stallings Walke of Portsmouth, VA, from whom he got some of his best qualities. Three siblings, Cindy Morris, Janet Birchenough (Lee) and Mark Walke and numerous nieces and nephews that he dearly loved and cherished. He is preceded in death by his father, Wilbert “Bootsie” Abner Walke Jr.
In his memory, a celebration of life will be held on Monday, April 22, 2024 from 2:00pm- 6:00pm at Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant in Kitty Hawk, NC.
Bubba loved the Lord and has found his eternal home in Heaven where we will see his beautiful smile again someday. Though he may no longer be with us in body, his spirit will live on eternally in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know and love him. Please share an expression of sympathy with the family at www.gallopfuneralservices.com.
