David Ray Walker

David Ray Walker

April 9th, 1952 - May 3rd, 2026

David Ray Walker of Arizona passed peacefully and entered Heaven; surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy of faith, kindness, strength, and service to others.

David was born in Phoenix to Gerald and Virginia Walker. David had two sisters – Kathleen (Kathy) and Geraldine (Tootie), whom he shared cherished childhood memories, filled with love and laughter. These memories also included several cousins that were lifelong companions and forever friends. David attended Washington High School playing baseball as a catcher and an all-around athlete earning a top ten athlete of the year award for his senior year. David was a creative thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset. He worked as a longtime employee of Crystal Water. He managed two restaurants and ventured into opening his own. David loved to cook and regularly created his own dishes to whip up in the kitchen or made his own spin for a common recipe. He often worked six days a week in every role with the last 30 years in the auto glass industry.

David’s priority was his devotion as a Christian. He grew up in the Church of Christ as a child and later found his congregation in a movie theatre church with Pastor Don Wilson which is now known as Christ Church of the Valley (CCV). He spent his later years attending and serving Palm Valley Church in Buckeye alongside his wife Debra. Dave was the kind of man who made people feel welcomed, encouraged, and valued. He believed deeply in helping others, treating people with compassion, and living life with integrity and purpose. His words carried wisdom, humor, and encouragement, and he had a way of lifting people up during difficult times. His faith guided the way he lived and the way he loved those around him. David fought a courageous battle with cancer for 10 years. His family would like to thank Dr David Paul with Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Lisa Sproat and the Mayo Clinic team and the Leukemia Clinical Research team at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas. Also, to the several specialists and caring hearts that cared for David in his journey.

He will be remembered for his caring heart, unwavering encouragement, resilience through adversity, and the lasting impact he made on his family, friends, and community. His legacy of compassion, faith, and love for others will continue through the many lives he has touched. Though he will be deeply missed, the lessons he taught and the love he gave will never be forgotten David is preceded in death by his wife Debra, his parents and his sister Kathleen. He is survived by, his daughter Christa Nielson (Nick), son Chandler, sister Gerladine Sylvester (Tim) niece and nephew (Lori and Larry), in addition to extended family and dear friends. His strength was guided by the love of his family, including his precious grandchildren (Piper, Madilyn and Walker) who lovingly called him “Pape”.

Celebration of Life will be held on June Saturday June 6th at 11am

Radiant Church

10701 W. Boswell Blvd.

Sun City, AZ 85373

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.