Gerald “Hobby” Walker, born in Haleyville, January 6, 1950, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his loving family after a lengthy illness.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Hobby lived a life marked by service, integrity and unwavering dedication to his community and the people he loved. He was a 1968 graduate of Addison High School with extended education degrees from Wallace State Community College in engineering and the University of Alabama and Faulkner University in law enforcement and a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Session 167th, in Quantico, Va. in 1991. Hobby and his wife were proud business owners of The Floor Store in Double Springs for 25 years.
Hobby’s community service includes three terms as sheriff of Winston County, where his leadership and compassion left a lasting impact. He also served as a council member for the Town of Double Springs and contributed his time and expertise to numerous boards, including the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and the Alabama Sheriffs Boys and Girls Ranch. He was honored to be a board member of the Alabama Peace Officers.
Hobby was a pioneer in youth outreach, becoming the first sheriff in Alabama to implement the D.A.R.E. program in every Winston County school. He taught law enforcement courses at Wallace State Community College. His commitment to service extended beyond law enforcement through his proud involvement with the Masons and Shriners.
Hobby is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 41 years, Bobbie Harris Walker and five children, Lisa Gilbreath (Heidi), Sheila Moore (Aubrey), Todd Walker (Pam), Tanya Walker (Chad) and Jon Gilbreath (Beth). He leaves behind 11 grandchildren, Casey Moore (Leann), Zack Sanders (Lindsey), Leeann Atkins (John), Samantha Junkin (Evan), Ryan Walker (Lauren), Alizabeth Gilbreath (Gregg), Macie Ballard (Zach), Tennyson Gilbreath, Landon Gaddy, Brock Biddle and Finnlee Biddle and seven great-grandchildren, Barrett Moore, Kaden Atkins, Dawson Walker, Levi Moore, Jaxson Walker, Hudson Junkin and Lainey Ballard.
Hobby was preceded in death by his parents, Miller and Murtis Walker and brother, Randy Walker.
Any donations that would like to be made in Hobby’s memory can be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children at www.shrinerschildrens.org.
Nichols Funeral Home is assisting the family.
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