Dr. Ian H.C. Walker
September 30, 1931 ~ March 6, 2024
Born in:
Kimberly, South Africa
Resided in:
Knoxville, Tennessee
Surrounded by his family, Dr. Ian Hamish Cossar Walker entered his heavenly home after a lifetime of service to the Lord Jesus on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 9:30PM.
Ian was born in Kimberly, South Africa, on September 30, 1931, to Rev. James and Mrs. Kathleen Walker. At the tender age of 17, fueled by an unwavering passion for ministry, Ian embarked on a voyage from South Africa to the United States. He pursued his theological studies at Baylor University, Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He met his wife, Esther, in 1952 in a serendipitous moment at a roller skating rink in Chicago, Illinois, and they were happily married for 72 years.
With Esther by his side, Ian proclaimed the Gospel across the country as Senior Pastor at Main Street Baptist Church, Booneville, IN; Siloam Baptist Church, Marion, AL; Lee Street Baptist Church, Valdosta, GA; First Baptist Church, Hendersonville, NC; First Baptist Church, West Palm Beach, FL; First Baptist Church, Franklin, TN; First Baptist Church, Morristown, TN; and Bent Creek Baptist Church, Asheville, NC. He “retired” in 1995, but his work for the Lord never stopped. As an Interim Pastor, he supported numerous churches through transitions and later served as Senior Adult Minister alongside his son, Dr. James Ian Walker, at both Biltmore Baptist Church, in Arden, NC, and Lake Hills Church, in Candler, NC, where he remains a member to this day.
Ian’s enduring legacy is a testament to both his family and his calling. He is survived by his beloved wife, Esther Emma Kappler Walker, his steadfast partner in life and ministry. His memory is lovingly preserved by his four devoted children, Heather Beier (Doug), James Walker (Deborah Leigh), Wendy Ball (Mark), and Jennifer Smith (Butch), of whom he was incredibly proud. In addition to his children, Ian is survived by 12 grandchildren, in whom he found great delight: Adam Beier (Erica), Cameron Earwood (Will), Amy Walker, Ian Walker (Amanda), Jamie Leigh Walker, Emma Walker, Kathleen Kent (Brian), Hope Mallary (Kevin), Jon Ball (Bekah), Jay Smith (Shannon), Erin Sanford (Bo), and Josh Smith (Breana). He is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren: Bear Beier; Carter and Chloe Earwood; Esther Kent; Blakely, Emrie, JP, and Will Smith; Lindsey and Harper Sanford; and Anderson and Leighton Smith. All of these descendants are a living testament to his enduring legacy of faith and devotion.
Services honoring Ian’s remarkable life will be held at Lake Hills Church in Candler, NC. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 11, 2024. The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. and will be presided over by Dr. John Avant. The service will be livestreamed on the church site, and Facebook and YouTube pages. A family graveside service will be held at Shepherd Memorial Park in Hendersonville, NC, at 5PM.
Dr. Walker will lie in repose at Lake Hills Church from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Monday prior to the family starting visitation at 11:00.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Lake Hills Church’s Missions Ministry.
Services
Visitation: March 11, 2024 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
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What a legacy he left and a life well lived.
My heart and deepest sympathy goes out to the Walker Family. May God give each of you peace in knowing that he’s rejoicing in heaven and that you’ll see him again one day.
Dr. Walker left an indelible mark on my life as a Christian. His smile, with that mischievous twinkle in his eyes, was like sunshine for the soul and would light up any room. He had a wonderful sense of humor, but was deeply serious about his Lord and Savior. I have no doubt he was greeted by thousands who he led to the Lord during his years of service. My heart is incredibly sad, but I rejoice knowing he is with his Jesus. I remember the plaque he had mounted on the pulpit that was inscribed, “Sir, we would see Jesus.” Dr. Walker has now seen his Savior!
Sincerely,
Anthony & Kelley Turbyfill
My prayers to the family, this was a wonderful man. He was my Pastor at Bent Creek. Sending my love to Esther also. I have never forgot this wonderful couple and love them dearly.
Dear Easter and family, how I wish I could be with you all during this time. My heart is sad but happy knowing that Ian is singing with the saints in glory today. I treasure the memories we have shared through out our lifetimes. May God’s presence cover each of you knowing that this separation is temporary and we will be together again soon. My Love 💕Geneva Taylor
Ian married us 50 years ago here in Hendersonville & we’re still going strong
Remembering your family in this time of sadness and celebration!
Ian was our pastor at Bent Creek and, with his precious wife Esther, taught our Connect Group at Biltmore. He held firmly to the truth of God’s word. We enjoyed their teaching and their friendship. Our condolences to dear Esther and his family.
Dr. Walker added me to the staff of First Baptist Church, West Palm Beach (now Family Church) in 1978 and I’m still here! As his assistant, he was kind, gracious, and patient toward me, and his beautiful wife Esther was a role model in my faith journey. He and his family will always hold a special place in my heart.
As a teenager growing up in First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, I am so grateful to have been part of the generation that Pastor Walker served and influenced. He discipled me from the pulpit and baptized me at age 16. Favorite memories include sitting at the large table in his study for youth Bible studies, hearing my father tell of their heated but friendly tennis matches, and being so encouraged by his belief in me and Melonie Shipp Harris to be summer youth leaders at First Baptist West Palm Beach. I still find myself singing his “Cheer up ye saints of God. There’s nothing to worry about. Nothing to make you feel afraid. Nothing to make you doubt. Remember Jesus never fails. So why not just trust Him and shout. You’ll be sorry you worried at all tomorrow morning!” Of course no one could match his endearing accent!! He served God’s purposes in so many lives. I am forever grateful to have been under his love and leadership. Praying for the God of all comfort to be very near to you, Mrs. Walker, Heather, James, Wendy, Jennifer, and family. Much love, Myra Carlisle Kitchin
I was a teenager at Main Street General Baptist Church in Boonville, IN back in the late 50’s. The dear Walkers were my Pastor and wife. Our church grew under his preaching. Mrs. Esther was an example to me and I have now been a Pastor’s wife for almost 57 years. Gayle (McDowell) McQueary. God comfort and give you peace during this time. Matthew 5:4