Gerald Taylor "Jerry" Walker, Jr.'s Obituary
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Gerald T. “Jerry” Walker, Jr., on Friday, January 16, 2026. Jerry, age 91, of Georgetown, DE, passed away peacefully at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, with his devoted daughter, Renée, by his side. He has valiantly earned his wings, is with his Lord and Savior and is reunited with the love of his life, Evelyn “Jane”, in Heaven.
Jerry was born to Elinor Haines and Gerald T. Walker, Sr. on Sunday, June 10, 1934 at Harford Memorial Hospital in Havre de Grace, MD. Raised in the projects of Kingsessing in Southwest Philadelphia, PA, he spent many of his youthful summers in Havre de Grace with his grandparents and extended family, where his love of fishing began. He was a graduate of John Bartram High School in Philadelphia.
He proudly and honorably served his country in the United States Air Force as an Airman second class, based at McGuire Air Force Base from 1955 until August 1962, working as an aircraft mechanic on F-84 and F-89 aircraft. He also actively served in France from 1961 – 1962 during the Berlin Crisis.
During his extensive career, Jerry worked in the aviation industry as an aircraft mechanic for companies such as Pan American World Airways (Pan Am), Boeing Vertol and Atlantic Aviation. He also worked various other positions such as an FBO line service technician at Wings Field, a gas station attendant, taxi driver and security guard (to name a few) over the years to further support his growing family.
In the early 1970’s, Jerry moved to Delaware and answered an ad for a truck driver for Air Products & Chemicals in Delaware City, DE. The chemical industry company had two positions open. After given the choice of which job he preferred, he was ultimately hired as their Distribution Supervisor. During his tenure, he quickly earned the respect of his employees, co-workers, management and others with his honesty, dependability and strong work ethic. He always got the job done and received many safety and service awards from the company as a result. He retired from his long and successful career at Air Products & Chemicals in March 1995.
In his free time, Jerry enjoyed hunting, bowling, woodworking and fishing, especially surf fishing at the Indian River Inlet in Delaware. Throughout the years, his passion and talent for woodworking resulted in many of his handcrafted, one-of-a-kind creations including wagons, toy boxes, doll houses and cradles, coat/hat racks, birdhouses, feeders, bear-themed tables and lamps, shelves and various other items being proudly displayed in his home and the homes of family and friends. He spent many seasons surf fishing with his “fishing buddies”, Galen, Tom, John and Gene at the inlet; frequently making it a daily adventure with Galen when the weather and surf conditions allowed. Occasionally, Jane and his buddies’ ladies would join them on the beach. He shared his love of surf fishing with his former father-in-law, Frank, Renée and Sonya over the years. He was also actively involved in several organizations, including the Loyal Order of Moose, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and was a life member of both The American Legion Post 28 and the National Rifle Association (NRA).
During his retirement, he and Jane enjoyed traveling together and visited all 48 U.S. contiguous states in two cross-country road trips, took various day trips, and even went on a cruise adventure. They delighted in watching Nascar races, baseball and football games on television, going out to dinner and spending time with their family and friends. Together, they rooted for their favorite Nascar drivers (both old and new) and favorite sports teams – the Phillies, Orioles, Eagles and Ravens, while Jane kept track of the statistics for each race or game.
Jerry married his sweetheart and love of his life, Evelyn Jane Duphily Jackson, on May 11, 1990. They shared 33 wonderful years together, until her passing on March 31, 2023. True loves that never argued and always had something to talk about, Jerry was heartbroken and missed Jane every day. They have been reunited in Heaven – together again ‘forever and a day.’
In addition to his parents and his beloved wife, Jerry was preceded in death by his son, Douglas T. Walker (2004); his brother, Monte H. Walker, Sr. (1995); his brother-in-law, John O. Risley (2022); his granddaughter, JuliAnna C. Stone (2013); and his grandson, Vincent J. Rhodes, Sr. (2022).
Jerry is survived by his loving daughters, Trish McCarrin (John) of West Chester, PA; Renée C. Walker of New Castle, DE; Sonya L. Stone (Jared) of Earleville, MD; his sister, Ann E. Risley of Mays Landing, NJ; his grandchildren, Cole McCarrin, Madison McCarrin and Justin D. Boyce (Cassandra Stiltz) of Newark, DE; his best friend, Galen Wilkins (Marilyn Pitts) of Georgetown, DE; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, friends; and the mothers of his children.
Special nephews, Wayne R. Hassel, Jr. (Brenda) of Scott Township, PA; Charles “Chad” A. Hassel (Zayra) of Richmond Hill, GA; and Matthew M. Hassel (Virginia) of Mullica Hill, NJ will forever remember their unique bonds with their “Uncle Jerky” (and “Aunt Jerkette”).
He is also survived by Jane’s children, Pamella J. Rhodes of New Castle, DE and Robert L. Jackson of Millsboro, DE; her granddaughter, Stephanie Hower (Nick) of New Castle, DE; and her great-grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 11:30a.m. to 1:30p.m. at Watson Funeral Home and Crematorium, 211 S. Washington Street, Millsboro, DE 19966. Service and entombment will immediately follow at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, DE.
Jerry’s family would like to thank the medical staff of the VA (Wilmington & Georgetown), Beebe Healthcare, Amedisys Home Health, Griswold Home Care, PAM Rehabilitation Hospital and all others we have encountered during his recent health journeys for their compassionate care, encouragement and continued support.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions or donations be made in Jerry’s memory to your favorite charity. The next time you visit an Outback Steakhouse or Applebee’s, especially the Rehoboth locations, please think of him and have a tall Fosters or Yuengling in his honor. If you were a guest in their home or stopped by his surf fishing spot, Jerry would always offer one to you, saying ‘you wanna beer? Help yourself!’
Jerry was a quietly reserved, humble man with a witty, outgoing and fun-loving personality. However, if he had an opinion about something, you would surely hear about it. He will be deeply missed and remembered most for his wisdom, quick-witted sense of humor and ornery responses by his family, friends and all who were blessed to know him.
God be with you till we meet again!
Please sign Mr. Walker's Tribute wall at this site.
***FLORISTS - PLEASE DELIVER ANY FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MR. WALKER BY 9:30 AM ON FRIDAY 1-30-2026.
What’s your fondest memory of Gerald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gerald?
Share a story where Gerald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gerald you’ll never forget.
How did Gerald make you smile?
