Jack Cummings Walker

Jack Cummings Walker, 84, of Waynesville, passed peacefully in his home, surrounded by his immediate family on Saturday, March 30, 2024. He was born July 29, 1939, in Canton, NC, and spent the majority of his life in Waynesville, NC. Jack was the youngest son of Ethel Best Walker and Joseph Howell “Ted” Walker and brother to the recent Joseph “Joe” Walker. Upon graduation from Waynesville Township High School, Jack was drafted in 1957, and commissioned with the United States Army that included serving time in Germany. Upon his return, he began his 38-year career (May 1960-April 1998) with Champion Paper & Fibre Company (recently known as Evergreen Packaging Inc.) He was known by his colleagues for his consistent, quiet presence and praised by company owners’ when he served as supervisor of the shipping department for his meticulous records, never losing one box or bolt of paper throughout his 13 years as Supervisor of the shipping department at the “Little Champion” location.

Jack had a passion for farming growing tobacco, tomatoes, and hay. His greatest hobby pleasure was time spent with his beef cattle and through 60 years, until his last time checking on the herd the same day he left his earthbound world, he raised over 2,400 head of cattle. An avid steward of the land, Jack, along with wife Jean and son Alan, was recognized as the 2003 Conservation Farm Family of the Year by the Haywood Soil and Water Conservation District.  Through his many years as a member of Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church, he served in a variety of capacities including as a trustee, member of various committees and enjoyed fellowship as a choir member sharing his beautiful bass voice.

Mr. Walker is survived by his wife and best friend of 64 years, Jean Rogers Walker; his son and daughter-in-law Alan and Robin Walker of Waynesville, NC; his granddaughter and grand son-in-law Laurel and Dr. Justin Van Beusecum, along with great-grandson Philip “Phip” Graham Van Beusecum of Mount Pleasant, SC. He was a devoted father and grandfather who touched his family’s lives in countless ways. In addition, he is survived by his sister-in-law Mrs. Lib Walker of Waynesville, NC, several nieces and nephews, grand nieces, and nephews, whom he loved and cherished.

Mr. Walker will be laid to rest with his parents and brother in a graveside service at the Upper Crabtree Community Cemetery (Clyde NC 28721) where all friends and family are invited to attend, on Saturday, April 6 at 1:00 pm. A celebration of life gathering, open to everyone, will be held following the service at Long’s Chapel Methodist Church-Community Room, 3:00 pm-5:00 pm (133 Old Clyde Road, Waynesville, NC 28785).

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Upper Crabtree Community Cemetery (c/o 64 Footsy Drive, Clyde NC 28721) or Long’s Chapel Firewood Ministry, PO Box 611, Waynesville, NC 28786.