Raymond C. Walker, 83 of Middlesboro, passed away suddenly, on Wednesday November 14, 2012 at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, Ky.

He was born July 30, 1929 in Middlesboro, Ky., the son of the late John E. and Mary Frances Dunn Walker.

He was a faithful member of the Covenant United Methodist Church for 60 years, where he had also served as chairman of the church board. He was also a very active board member of the Salvation Army.

Raymond was elected as Mayor of Middlesboro where he served one term. He had been active in and had served as president of the Bell County Chamber of Commerce. He had been employed by the Middlesboro Daily News for 25 years and also by several local banks as an office and director for many, many years.

Raymond was a lifelong resident of Middlesboro and a leader in many church and civic organizations. In his younger years, he enjoyed participating in and enjoying high school football, baseball and softball . He had served as president of the Middlesboro Little League and had served as an umpire for many years.

Raymond also owned and operated many residential properties and was active in overseeing them until the time of his death. He had also farmed several properties in the area for many years.

He was a blessed man who enjoyed a full and active life. He loved his family and friends and lived his life well.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Clarence E. Walker, Hazel Walker, Helen Brogan, John L. Walker and Bob Walker and a brother in law, Howard Brogan.

He is survived by the following members of his family: his wife of 63 years, Rosilee Cowan Walker; 2 sons, Larry (Nancy) Walker and Jeff (Donna) Walker; daughter, Kathy (Dennis) Fish; seven grandchildren and their spouses, Jennifer (Tommy) Bartlett, Chad (Amie) Fish, Kellie Fish, Adam Walker, Noah Walker, Kolton Bartlett, Karleigh Bartlett and Konnor Bartlett; sisters-in-law, Georgia Walker, Margaret Walker and Delores Walker; nephew, Mike Walker; nieces, Cindy Christenson, Lori Deaton and Sherry Cowan; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, at the Covenant United Methodist Church with Dr. Phil Hill presiding.

Music will be provided by Becky Powell. Interment will follow in the Green Hills Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Adam Walker, Noah Walker, Chad Fish, Tommy Bartlett, Mike Walker and Dennis Fish.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Young at Heart Prayer Group of the Covenant United Methodist Church.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, November 16, at the Covenant United Methodist Church.

Memorials are suggested to the Covenant United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 399, Middlesboro, KY

Online condolences and guestbook are available at www.creechfh.com

Creech Funeral Home, Middlesboro, is in charge of all arrangements.