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Lewis “Phillip” Walker, died June 15, 2024 at his home after suffering a second heart attack since March 11, 2024.
Phillip was born, July 24, 1953, at his family home in the Caldwell Community of Northern Orange County. He lived on the family farm, which has been in his family for over 200 years.
Phillip was predeceased by his parents Vance Ormond Walker and M. Lillian Jeffries Walker, his sister Jean Walker Berry (Delma-deceased), and his brother V. Claiborne Walker. His brothers-in-laws, Wm Wayne McGhee, Jr and Don Duncan and niece Angie Duncan Cook.
Phillip is survived by his loving wife, Diane of 51 years. His dearly cherished daughter, Jennifer Lynn Walker. His brother and best friend, Bryant J. Walker (Nancy-deceased). His nieces: Bette Clack (Neal-deceased), Allyson Jacobs (Marty), Tammy Ellington (Ben), Eleanor Vaughan (Curtis), Janice Kozrendorfer (Dan). His nephew C. Wayne Walker (Penny). Several great nieces and nephews, as well as great-grandnieces and nephews. He is also survived by his father-in-law Wayne McGhee (Becky), sister-in-laws Susan Duncan and Sharon Davis (Paul). His special nephew and niece Shawn and Brandy Garrard. His dearest friends David Paschall, Roger Hall, Jerry Wade, Robert Isley, Mike Wright, and Bradley Fox with whom he recently attended the Indy 500.
Phillip was born and raised on a small farm where he learned “a country boy will survive” gaining life time skills which he used throughout his life.
After graduation in 1971 at Orange High School in Hillsborough, Phillip attended NCSU for a brief period. He decided to leave and pursue computer operations. He was employed and retired after 33 years from Duke University Health System working in the IT Department and was a part of the installation for the Health System Computer System at Duke North in 1979.
Phillip raced stock cars for over 20 years on many short tracks in NC and VA, winning races, and championships at Orange County Speedway (OCS), Ace Speedway (winning the first race held on pavement at this track) and South Boston Speedway. After he stopped racing he continued to promote the sport. He was the GM in 1995-96 for best short track in racing at OCS. He was Race Director at Ace Speedway 1997-2003. He founded the Raleigh Fairgrounds Speedway Racers Reunion 2011-2015. Lastly, through his friendship with John Lopes of Andretti Sports Marketing, he was the Track Operations Manager from 2012-2015. In 2022, Phillip was inducted into Bill Mangum’s Virginia-Carolina Early Dirt Racers Association “Wall of Fame” for his contributions to the Sport of Automobile Racing. During his racing career he founded the Piedmont Racing Expo and Auction 1986-2015, this was not just an opportunity to sell and buy parts for your race car it was social event to kick off racing for coming season to so many racers in NC, VA, TN and SC. Phillip was a mentor to many in racing as well he sponsored Chambers Racing and Vintage Racing groups. In addition he was a mentor to “our boys” of The Granville Auction Co.
Phillip was always looking for more to do, he and his wife, Diane successfully operated: Phillip Walker Auctions, he like to say he auctioned everything from a billy goat to John McEnroe’s Tennis racket and all in between. Their semi-annual Pasture Consignment Auction was a social event where small farmers could buy or sale a farm implement. He ran Phillip Walker Racing Parts, to help supplement his own racing career. He loved seeing others achieve success and many times he made it possible for a racer to have parts or borrow equipment. Later on, he brought the Carolina Collector Auto Fest held semi-annually at the NC State Fair grounds. Where he acquired many more friendships with those who had classic car interest.
Most recently, Phillip decided to raise Sweet Sorghum Cane to make “molasses” syrup after seeing it made at Ferrum College’s Heritage Days. Phillip made this too a social event, by promoting Sweet Sorghum Syrup making demonstrations with late 1800s and early 1900sequipment used to grow, squeeze and cook the syrup to make his South Fork Sweet Sorghum. After attending and becoming members of the National Sweet Sorghum Processors and Producers Association (NSSPPA) conference, and getting involved learning to make syrup. Phillip is now serving on NSSPPA Board of Directors, as the current President.
Phillip and Diane enjoyed as much time as they could to fish on his boat the “Kerr-Lina Kat”. He participated in many catfishing tournaments with his good friends: Curtis Riley, Roger Hall, John Moore and Willie Erstes.
Phillip was involved with many other groups and organizations serving on Boards and volunteering. He helped to establish the Caldwell Fire Dept. Where he was instrumental to help to organize the first in NC “First Responders” volunteers within fire departments. He served both as committee member and auctioneer for Jr Livestock Show at Orange Grove for many years. As well as, he contributed his auction services to many charitable organizations in the local area.
In 2022, Phillip and Diane renewed their vows for their 50thwedding anniversary in front of their family and family friends. Their marriage was full of love, laughter and adventure. He enjoyed attending Jennifer’s dance recitals as she was growing up.
Throughout all his various endeavors he involved his family and friends. Phillip and Diane will forever be grateful for their support.
Phillip truly loved life and made the most of everyday, never meeting a stranger and always willing to offer a helping hand. Phillip always had a positive outlook on life and his glass was at least three fourths full. His life motto was “Variety is the Spice of Life” and certainly was reflected in the way he lived his 70 years.
Phillip was a member of the Little River Presbyterian Church. For the last five years, he attended Providence Baptist Church in Roxboro.
The family would like to thank Dr. Kevin Harrison and his staff at Duke University Health System for the care they gave Phillip.
In Lieu of flowers, donations to honor Phillip’s memory may be made to the Caldwell Fire Dept.7020 Guess Rd, Rougemont, NC 27572.
