Wayland Ray Walker was born at The Rock, GA, in Upson County, on his father's dairy farm. His official birthday was April 22, 1928, but since it was a home birth, the doctor, his mother, and his grandmother disagreed on the date (you should see all the mark-outs in the family Bible). So, we celebrated three days a year: the 19, 21, and 22. He loved his family, and extra birthdays brought more laughter and meals together.

His parents moved their dairy business to Harrell Road in Thomaston, Ga (also Upson County) when he was a small child. Ray worked on the farm and attended school, graduating high school at sixteen while working full-time at the local bank. After high school, he served in the Navy for two years before attending the University of Georgia in Athens. At UGA, he received a Bachelor of Business and Administration Degree in Accounting, with minors in French and English. He was active and served as an officer in several activities, including Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, the UGA Glee Club (President), and Delta Sigma Pi (professional) fraternity.

Ray also completed a graduate-level study with honors at the Bank Administration Institute, University of Wisconsin, and later taught there for several years during summer banking sessions. In addition to university, he completed a course of study at the National Trust School sponsored by the American Bankers Association at Northwestern University in Evansville, Illinois. He attended various management studies, such as the Senior Bank Management School at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, offered by the Georgia Independent Bankers Association.

His career included broad management experience in implementing manual and computer systems, developing marketing and service programs, budget and cost administration, branch administration, accounting procedures, and corporate problem-solving. He was not only the director of significant banking innovations, including the electronic processing of bank applications (the first ATMs), but he was also instrumental in coordinating these advances before others in the country. At the request of the State Banking Department, Mr. Walker founded, organized, directed, and lectured at the ongoing statewide Georgia Bankers Association Bank Operations School at Kennesaw College. Ray served as Secretary of the Board for several years with BankWire, Inc., a nationwide funds transfer system used by all the larger banks. He also taught evening classes in English and Composition for several years at the University of Georgia's divisions in Atlanta and Macon, Georgia.

Ray was a deacon who initially served as the Singles Director with First Baptist Church of Atlanta. Upon retirement, he and Sara moved to Alma, where he served as a deacon, CFO/Administrator, and, for several years, Treasurer and Chair of the Administration Team at First Baptist Alma. Ray also served as Chairman of the Board of Assessors for Bacon County, GA. He was a licensed Minister with Kingsway Fellowship International and, for many years, was involved in the Blueberry Festival Committee.

Ray loved the Lord and his family. He cherished his parents and siblings, who had all passed before him. He met the love of his life, Sara Jones Walker, and after six weeks, they married and had 62 beautiful years together.

Ray Walker is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sara Jones Walker. Also, his two children, Wayland Ray Walker, Jr. of Winder, GA and Leah Miles (Jimmy) of Alma, GA, and three grandchildren, Jeofry Wages (Meg), Gray Goodson (Emmi), and Jessica Goodson.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George Wayland and Iona Walker, his brother, George Ernest Walker, and two sisters, Vivian Harris and Juanita Junkins.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy Miles and Rev. Doug Doran officiating. Interment to follow at Pine Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until service time.

Active pallbearers include Jeofry Wages, Gray Goodson, Sam Edgar, Stacy Jetton, John Jetton, and Justin Miles.

Ray Walker will be greatly missed by many who loved and knew him.

Bethany Hospice took amazing care of dad and us throughout this difficult time. They have a benevolent fund and if you are considering sending flowers, please instead donate to their benevolent fund which will assist families with needs not covered by their insurance.

Thank you

Bethany Hospice Benevolent Fund

1400 N. Peterson Ave Ste 12

Douglas, GA 31533