Mr. Nathaniel "Junebug" Walker Jr.

Mr. Nathaniel “Junebug” Walker Jr., age 56, a longtime Utican and more recently of Stittville, went home to be with the Lord when he passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 11, 2012 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded with the love and support of his family. Nathaniel was born in Palatka, Florida on October 29, 1955 to Bernice (Smalls) Murphy and the late Nathaniel Walker Sr. He spent much of his youth in Florida, and relocated to Utica in 1971 where he graduated from Utica Free Academy in 1973. Although November 13, 1982 marked the date of his marriage to Rosie Wright, it was years before that they had begun to share their lives. They rejoiced at their blended family and the blessing of their grandchildren, and they worked together to accomplish this grand goal. They were truly admired for their open hearts and caring ways. Blessed with great strength of mind and body and a strong work ethic, Nathaniel held positions at Foster Paper Company, Kelsey Hayes, and Special Metals. He was currently employed with the Utica City School District as a light equipment operator, a position he held for 29 years. Nathaniel was the patriarch of his clan, a beloved paternal figure, and an awesome teacher who believed in living an honest life. Nathaniel was the center of many gatherings; whether it was a backyard barbecue where he could be seen strategically aligning visitor’s cars or leading others to sing in gospel songs. He had a flair for "one-liners" and could put a twist on any topic and he will be remembered for his "I tell theory." At home he was a craftsman, perfectionist, and a Mr. Fix-It. He enjoyed gardening and landscaping, and had an eye for detail, especially when it came to his meticulously manicured lawn. It was common knowledge that with his “green thumb” Nathaniel could grow collard greens on concrete. He was an avid outdoor sportsman and when he fished, “He cast, and they came”. Similarly, when he hunted deer he seemed to have a special “whisper” to draw them near. He had a way with his dogs who responded quickly to his commands. As a water enthusiast, he often gathered friends and family for boat rides. Nathaniel had a flair for fashion but especially could masterfully "re-design" a tee shirt. For relaxation, he favored western flicks, chiefly Gunsmoke marathons and he was a gifted card player who chose his partners strategically and the house rule was that his team would always win! He was a Mason, a member of the Cornhill Fish & Game Club, the Elks Lodge and volunteered for many social and civic causes. But Nathaniel’s greatest love was spending quality time with his grandchildren whom he loved dearly. The fact that he lived to see and love his children's children was a special accomplishment of his life. He beamed with happiness when they showed him affection before others. All in all, Nathaniel was a Christian man, and he honored the Lord and his teachings. In 2005, he accepted the Lord as his Savior. Nathaniel is survived by his wife, Rosie; his mother, Bernice Murphy; his sons and daughters-in-law, Nathaniel Walker III, Michael "Patricia" Washington, James "Stella" Bell, Taj "Heather" Bell, Romare Walker, and the memory of his son Tennell Washington who preceded him in death in December 1984; brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles “Tracie” Murphy, Tondrick “Kenya” Murphy, all of Maryland; his sisters and brother-in-law, Charlesetta Murphy, Jacqueline “Pastor Robby” Rhodes, Alberta Murphy, all of Arizona; Loretta and Pamela Walker of Florida. Nathaniel’s life was made complete with the unique relationships he shared with his 20 grandchildren: Andraya, Sabastion, Giavanna, Isabella, Andru; Roy, Chanel, Durrell, Santana, Michael, Moenae, Montanae; Stephanie, Alyssa, Nyanna, Darnell; Taj Jr.; Jomare, Antonio and Rosiya; and his 2 great-grandchildren, Roy Jr. and Roy. In addition, he leaves his mother-in-law Barbara Wright; in-laws Alice, Doris, Erma, Barbara “Marshell”, Arlene, Bobby “La Shone”, Yancey “Linda”, Jimmy and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, his aunts, Catherine "James" Scott, Irene Johnson, Alberta Scott, all of Florida; his uncles, Lonnie Smalls of Georgia, Frank Smalls, Isaiah Smalls, Samuel Smalls, all of Florida. He was also blessed with a host of faithful friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Kenneth Graves and brother-in-law, Alvin Wright. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Nathaniel’s Home Going Celebration which will be held on Saturday morning at 9:00 at Believers Miracle Deliverance Ministries, 207 Eagle Street, Utica, NY 13501 with Apostle Willie J. Steele officiating. Interment will follow in New Forest Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center, especially Dr. Win, and the staff of Critical Care, all who offered attentive and comforting concern.