PHIL WALKER

PERRY – Phillip Warren Walker, Jr., known affectionately as Phil, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the age of 49. The family will receive friends on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Watson-Hunt Funeral Home in Perry. A Service to Celebrate Phil’s Life will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Haynesville with Maggie Bloodworth, Rev. Tom Carruth, and Pastor Owen Bozeman officiating. Burial will be in Midway Methodist Church Cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to The Shepherd Center, 2020 Peachtree Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 30309-1426. To commemorate Phil’s ardent love for the Georgia Bulldogs, please feel free to wear red and black to his services. Born on May 4, 1976, in Warner Robins, Georgia, Phil grew up to be a man of many talents and immense generosity, deeply loved by his community and family. A 1994 graduate of Hawkinsville High School and a graduate of Middle Georgia Technical College where he earned his HVAC certification, Phil applied his learning and skills, not only in his professional life, but also in his personal endeavors. He was an avid woodworker, helping friends and neighbors with building projects like decks and ramps, and often creating games for his church’s fall festival. Starting as a part-time worker at M&T Meats during his high school and college years, Phil developed a detailed knowledge of meats which thus began his love of cooking. He enjoyed grilling, cooking, and barbecuing, as was evident through the years as he often cooked for his family, prepared meals for Vacation Bible School each summer, other church functions, and many school gatherings. He spent a great deal of time at Westfield volunteering doing whatever was needed. Phil was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Haynesville, where he was actively involved. His faith played a significant role in his life, guiding him in his endeavors and community contributions. Phil's professional journey was as diverse as it was impactful. He worked at Owen & Williams Fish Farm before accepting a position as a Correction Officer with the Georgia Department of Corrections. After a year, he became a Maintenance Supervisor at Pulaski State Prison in Hawkinsville. His career also included significant roles at Boeing, where he contributed to building airplanes, and at Frito-Lay in Perry, where he managed their HVAC, electrical, and plumbing work. Phil thoroughly enjoyed being outdoors as was indicated by the amount of time he spent there, from camping with his family, to spending time at Lake Sinclair, to gardening while at home. He was known for his infectious laugh and ability to live life to the fullest. His hobbies included beekeeping, where he not only harvested honey but also rescued nuisance bees, helping preserve the environment in his own unique way. Family was one of Phil’s top priorities. His family and friends will remember him as a devoted son, a caring brother, a wonderful husband, a great friend, and the perfect "girl dad," often spoiling his own children as well as his daughter’s friends. He was the biggest fan of his kids, supporting them and coaching them throughout their various sports and hobbies. Phil’s resilience was evident after an accident in 2019 which left him with brain and spinal cord injuries and immobile, as he continued to fight through health challenges with unwavering strength and determination. He never complained about his pain or circumstances and was genuinely loved by all the doctors, nurses, technicians, and caregivers whom he encountered through the past six difficult years. Phil’s legacy of kindness, humor, faith, and courage will continue to inspire all who knew him. He was a true example of 2 Timothy 4:7…fought the good fight, finished the course, kept the faith. Phil was preceded in death by his mother, Judy Walker, and his mother-in-law, Carol Thompson. Left to cherish the memories they made with Phil are his loving and devoted wife of nearly seventeen years, Connie Thompson Walker of Perry; his children, Warren Walker of Atlanta, and Emma Grace Walker and Jackson Walker, both of Perry; his father, Phil Walker, Sr. of Hawkinsville; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Wendy and Chuck Gordon of Hawkinsville, and Michelle and Michael Modesitt of Haynesville; his nieces and nephews, Tabatha Johnson (Dan), Cody Gordon (Kelly), Morgan Fowler, and Thomas Fowler; three great-nephews; his father-in-law, Tommy Thompson; and his brother-in-law, William Thompson. Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Tributes

PHIL WALKER

May 4, 1976 - January 16, 2026