Benjamin Watkins Leigh Walker

Born: March 2, 1971

Died: December 27, 2022

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved younger brother, Benjamin Watkins “Leigh” Walker. 

Leigh was the son of the late Harry Walker. Jr and Carolyn Metzger Walker. 

He was born in Richmond, Virginia and resided there with his family until 1980, when the Walker family moved to Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. 

Leigh graduated from Roanoke Rapids High School in 1989, and thereafter, he attended Pitt Community College and East Carolina University, in Greenville, North Carolina. 

Leigh later found work in the paper industry where he excelled and where he continued to be employed at the time of his death.

During his childhood years Leigh endured numerous surgical procedures. He met those difficulties with a smile on his face and a shrug of his shoulders, always accepting and remembering the gift of his life and the beauty of the world around him. Our younger brother refused to be held back by any physical limitations throughout his life.

As a result of Leigh’s positive attitude and enviable ability to overcome, people were naturally drawn to him. Perhaps it was their desire to understand and to draw strength from his seemingly unconquerable spirit or perhaps it was Leigh’s sense of humor, his dry wit and fun loving nature. Leigh was most often the center of fun in our family and among his friends. 

Our fondest memories of our brother Leigh, flood back to earlier times in our lives with him and our parents on family vacations or other family gatherings. 

Our late parents surrounded each one of us with love, affection and support, never once treating any one of us differently. It was their love and support which helped Leigh to become the wonderful man and father that he was and of whom our parents were so very proud.

Benjamin Watkins “Leigh” Walker, is survived by his son, Benjamin Watkins Leigh Walker, and his two (2) older brothers, William Henry “Clay” Walker, his wife Anne, and James “Jay” Edward Paschall Walker, his wife, Susan, by his step mother, Nikki P. Walker, by his nieces, nephew, by great nephews and by legions of friends which spanned every part of his life, from childhood, to school life and work life. Leigh will be mourned, missed and always remembered by his family, his countless friends and by everyone whose life he touched.

Our brother Leigh will be laid to rest next to our mother, Carolyn Metger Walker, our grandparents and other members of our family in Mount Calvary Cemetery, in Richmond, Virginia. 

Please contact either Clay or Jay Walker in any manner you feel comfortable to share your memories of our little brother, Leigh or to inquire further about his burial.