Patrick Douglas Walker, age 48, transitioned into his eternal life Thursday, June 17, 2021, at UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky with his family by his side. Patrick's declined condition was sudden and unexpected from an illness he was stricken with.

He was born February 23, 1973, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to Linda Walker, whom he is survived by. He is also survived by his niece and nephew, who he loved as his children, Shaneka (Quamaria) Greene and Emmanuel Walker; an aunt, Carol Ann Walker; three uncles, Russell Walker, Steven Walker, and Donald Walker; and a host of numerous cousins. In addition, he also adopted and mentored a host of many other sons and daughters.

Patrick was a lifetime student and believed in excelling in academia. Patrick received his Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Master of Business Administration degrees from Hampton University and his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Regent University. For over 15 years, he served as an award-winning Professor of Business Law and Management at universities in St. Louis, Missouri, and Hampton Roads, Virginia. At his most recent place of employment, the University of Kentucky, Patrick was the inaugural Ruth Jones Lewis Faculty Scholar in Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise. This is an endowed position in the Lewis Honors College. Patrick also pledged with the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Chapter of Kentucky. One of his favorite things to do was travel and his travels included: Turkey, Canada, and throughout the United States.

Patrick also loved Marvel comics and all things superhero-centered. Among his favorite superheroes was the Justice League. Most importantly, we will never forget how much he loved Whitney Houston.

Patrick was a devoted Christian and attended Six Mount Zion Baptist Temple in Hampton, Virginia where he served as the First Armor Bearer and advisor to Rev Jerome Barber; Calvary Revival Church in Norfolk, Virginia where he was an Administrative Assistant from 2000 to 2004; and most recently attended two churches in Kentucky where he resided.

He was a great friend and mentor who touched so many lives with his big heart and larger-than-life personality. He made lifelong friends wherever he went and always made sure to keep in touch. In his words, he truly lived his "best life". He was preceded in death by grandparents, Luther Odom and Virginia Mae Walker; beloved aunt, Gwen Walker Howard; uncles, Clarence Bernard and Douglas Walker; and sister, Robin Wakeisha Walker.

As we mourn the loss of our beloved Patrick, we want to ensure that his legacy of service continues. The Patrick Douglas Walker Scholarship has been established for first-generation students who are members of underrepresented racial or ethnic groups in his memory at the University of Kentucky Lewis Honors College. Gifts may be sent to UK Philanthropy, P.O. Box 23552, Lexington, KY 40523, Attention: Patrick Douglas Walker Scholarship. You may also contact the Lewis Honors College at 859-319-6886. To make an online gift to the scholarship, please follow these steps:

Type: https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/4739-lewis-honors-college

Type: Patrick Douglas Walker Scholarship into the search bar in the upper right corner.

Click: Donate to Patrick Douglas Walker Scholarship to make your gift and indicate it is in memory of Patrick Walker.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 6:00pm Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Russell Funeral Home.

Private funeral services will be held Friday, July 2, 2021. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens.