Wesley Randall Walker was born March 24, 1957 in Winston-Salem, NC to Joseph B. and Ethel Hayes Walker. Wesley passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025. He was a 1975 graduate of R. J. Reynolds High School, having also been a member of its North Carolina 4-A state championship basketball team.  He was poised to participate in the 50th anniversary celebration to be held January 28, 2025.

"Wes" as he is affectionately known, followed his family tradition by faithfully serving over 20 years in the United States Navy as a crewmember on the USS Coral Sea aircraft carrier. His deployment involved a number of worldwide events and conflicts, including Operation Desert Storm. After a stellar career with the Navy, Wesley was honorably discharged in 2003.

There are a number of groups, organizations and volunteer efforts that Wesley was associated with. Nearest and dearest to his heart was his longtime affiliation with Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc. Wesley joined the organization during the fall of 1976, while attending St. Augustine's College, (now University) in Raleigh, NC. He continuously provided stellar volunteer efforts with Groove Phi Groove, whether fund raising, giving donations to local university students, "adopt-a-road" cleanup efforts or by simply supporting the mission of the fellowship. Wesley was a lifetime member of the organization.

Wesley was a well-respected man of intelligence, integrity, and commitment; his loving parents preceded him in death, Joseph B. Walker, Sr. and Ethel Hayes Walker; as did his oldest brother, Joseph B. Walker, Jr. His wife, Sondra; son, Eric; daughter, April; grandson, Isaiah Wesley Walker; his sister, Wende Walker; brother, Gerald Walker; and a host of nieces and nephews survive him.

A celebration of life will be held at 12noon Monday, January 27, 2025 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12noon on Monday at the Chapel. Interment will be held at 12:30pm Tuesday, January 28, 2025 in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC with full military honors.