Coy “Gordon” Walker, of Dothan, Alabama went to his heavenly home in the early morning hours on Thursday, July 17, 2025. He was blessed with 89 years on this Earthly home to spend with friends and family.
Gordon and his wife, Glenda Cook Walker, shared 67 years of marriage. Together they built a life for themselves and their three daughters: Sheila Barfield (Rickey / predeceased), Denise Beatty (Brad), and Pam Hall (Tim), who will always treasure his memory and carry on the faith and generosity their daddy showed.
As time passed and his family grew, he took on a new and cherished role as “PaPa” and boy, did he love his grandchildren and great-grands! They loved playing with PaPa and he could make the best silly faces they had ever seen. Joy is the only word to describe the times they spent with him. He had six grandchildren including: Tiffany Tomaino (Anthony), Tammy McCall (David), Daniel Smothers (Kelsey), David Barfield (Janet), Tabitha Wallace (Brian), Tina Thomley (Colby) along with 15 great-grandchildren. What a blessing of God!
Gordon joined the military at a young age and became an awesome sailor in the U. S. Navy. Throughout his career he showed dedication, hard work, patriotism, and love for our great country so much so that he was honored as “Sailor of the Year”. He retired while serving on the USS Lexington in Pensacola in 1974. The decision to retire came as a bittersweet moment for him, as he cherished and was proud to serve this great nation. Upon retiring, he and his family returned to Dothan, Alabama and he began a new adventure. Gordon and Glenda soon opened Walker’s Barber Shop. The business grew quickly and became more than a job for him as he made friends, gave advice, and helped those who needed a hand up. Each customer was always greeted with his infectious smile and the children with bubble gum; even the children getting off the school bus in the afternoon came in for their daily bubble gum “fix”.
Gordon was definitely a “handy man” and could fix just about anything. He loved fishing, classic cars, and working in the yards. His favorite thing to do was to tell others about his Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus was faithful to him throughout his life and he wanted others to know and experience his faithful Father and Friend. He was generous in praying with others, giving his testimony and helping others when they were in need. If he were here today, he would tell you, the reader, that Jesus loves you. He would continue by saying, “I love you, too.” So, today, know that no matter what you are facing, God loves you and he can be your Father and your Friend too.
While the family cherishes their friends and family, they have chosen to celebrate the homegoing of their husband, father, and PaPa privately and no services will be held. No need to be sad because Gordon is at peace and is in the most beautiful place, with Jesus. May we keep our lamps lit and be ready to join him when the time comes.
Donations to honor Gordon’s memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/ May we never forget those who serve our country.
