Birth date: Oct 5, 1948 Death date: Sep 20, 2025
Thomas Henry Walker Sr. October 5, 1948 – September 20, 2025 (age 76) Thomas Henry Walker Sr., affectionately known as Tom, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025, at the age of 76 in Lakeland, FL. Born on October 5, 1948, i Read Obituary
I never had a father daughter dance and my dad will never give me away but I’m so glad I have this photo to remind me of a time I did get to dance with him.
My dad. I remember thinking that my dad was the smartest person I knew. He could fix anything. And he had work ethic like no other. He always said, “it doesn’t matter what you do in life, make sure you do it to the best of your ability.” I’ve tried very hard to live up to that. I always wanted to make him proud. I wanted to be like him. I look back with so many regrets and wonderings. I just hope he knows how much he meant to me and how much I learned from him. I have so many wonderful childhood memories that I can’t even begin to name them. But I will say this; my dad put his family first and always made certain that we had everything we needed. He showed his love through acts of service and would have sacrificed anything for our happiness. I’ll never be the same.
So many memories. Can’t talk about them all but I remember the add on room he built, the rocks that replaced the grass on the lawn and helping his in-laws move up and down the east coast. I haven’t seen Tom since his health started failing so my memories are of a healthy and sometimes “politically incorrect” Tom.
Rip Tom
Jim Buddendorf
With deepest sympathy and much love to Tom’s family. How proud he was of all of you.
When Tom first came into our family he was a man like no other. He was worldly and crazy adventurous. He told great stories of his travels and his escapades - with plenty of mischief and some foolishness- but always lots of fun. His enthusiasm was endless and contagious.
I especially loved his stories about diving.
In fact, several of us sisters-in-law showed such an interest that he brought over his gear and gave us an introductory diving lesson in our pool. I was so nervous, and definitely his worst student, but he was a very patient teacher. That day I felt so special. I had never known anyone who dived, much less spend the time to teach me. But Tom enjoyed so much sharing with others the things he knew well and loved.
Many years later I finally got the opportunity to dive.
That day I remembered so well that it was Tom who had first sparked the travel bug in me and helped give me the courage to try something new and awesome.
I’m grateful to him for all his stories and for helping me to dream big.
I still have a souvenir shell of his that he gave me many years ago when I was so in awe of his diving trips.
Rest in Peace Tom.
You will always be remembered.
Love,
Eileen
So many great memories to share about Tom aka “My Uncle Tom”
My family and the Walker family did a lot of vacations together. On one trip Tom bought his kids a go cart. I ask if I could take it for a spin and not one minute later I get pulled over by a cop. I was so nervous that the cop was going to confiscated it. As soon as the cop walked up to me I blurt out nervously it’s not mine it’s my Uncle Tom’s. He says take it back to your Uncle Tom, no riding in the street. When I got back and told Tom what happened he laughed so hard and Uncle Tom stuck since then.
Later in our vacation trips we started taking my mom aka “Dolly” on trips. Tom loved Dolly so much and the jokes he played on her I cannot write here, but trust me the laughter our families shared with them two together and the memories will never be forgotten.
“Uncle Tom” you will be missed!! I always loved having our talks, laughs and your pissed off moments too, especially when I won at cribbage. I think he got so darn mad be because he was the one who taught me how to play.
Love ya buddy!! See ya on the other side.
Uncle Tom was one of the toughest men I’ve ever known, with a heart of gold. I spent many of my childhood summers staying with Uncle Tom, Aunt Edna, Tanya, Michelle and Tommy and they are some of the best memories I have. We spent our days catching every critter we could get our hands on and Uncle Tom always had some crazy “hold my beer” thing he would show us how to do with them. From wearing lizards as ear rings to removing some of the web from giant spiders, these are things I cherish more than I could ever express. I taught the same craziness to my kids and I love knowing that Uncle Tom will live on through them and their passion for everything Florida! I want to thank you Uncle Tom. Thank you for letting a scrawny kid come spend the summers with y’all. Thank you for the trips to the Keys. Thank you for teaching me an appreciation for fun and crazy things. Thank you for being my Uncle Tom, you will always hold a special place in my heart.
How can I capture my father’s worth in a post? It’s impossible. The memories overflow, and the impact you had on so many, perhaps unknowingly, is profound. Flying kites so high they disappeared from view, venturing off the beaten path to discover buried antique bottles and jars, catching everything from snakes and spiders to raccoons and even a goose. Bonfires and camping in the backyard. Building a playhouse, a bedroom, digging a hole for a pool. You were always there to lend a hand and offer a place to stay for those in need. You were ALWAYS there for everyone. I’ll cherish memories of fishing, hiking adventures, football, whirlpools in our pool, my first car (our favorite memory), go-cart rides, and Key West vacations where you climbed mangroves to catch an iguana or snorkeled into the wee hours to explore. Dad, the day you left, you took a piece of my heart with you. I’m so grateful for EVERYTHING you ever did for me. You were and will forever be my hero!
