William Lee “Spike” Walker, Jr. of Allegan Michigan passed away peaceably at his home, with his family by his side in Allegan, Michigan on April 23, 2021.
Spike Walker was born on February 3, 1941, and just celebrated his 80th birthday. During his youth, he lived in Northville, Michigan, attending Northville High School and graduating in 1959. While in high school he participated in track, loving the shot put, and in football. He excelled as a running back, “mudding” over their arch-rival Plymouth as well as many others. He was named MVP in 1959, achieving a 1,000 + yard rushing season.
Spike spent his tour of duty in the United States Air Force in Amarillo, Texas. It was the disciplines of the service and the teamwork of the Northville Football Team and his coaches which prepared him for the world of business. He completed his Associate’s Degree from Schoolcraft College.
In June of 1962, he met and fell in love with Christine “Tina” Stephens. They were happily married for 58 years. Spike is survived by his wife and son, William “Will” Walker, III, and was preceded in death by his daughter, Kristie Lyn Schwind in 1994, sisters Judy Arthurs and Melody Crawford. He is survived by his sister Bonny Pardy (Jim); grandchildren, Nia Wassink (Collin), Eddie Quinones-Walker (Elvin), Jessica Walker-Rios (Jared), and Jacob Walker, along with two great-grandchildren, Caspian Swett and Zion Walker-Rios, plus many nieces and nephews.
In 1973, he started a metal stamping business, Delwal Corporation. For the next 33 years, it was instrumental in providing automotive companies with world-class metal stampings and assemblies and providing hundreds of jobs at three locations in Michigan. In the late eighties, along with owning/operating Anchorage Marina in Holland, he decided to learn to fly a plane and mastered the art of visual and instrument flying.
In retirement, he enjoyed golfing, biking, and skeet shooting, winning many championships.
Because of COVID-19, there will be a private family funeral at the Dykstra Funeral Home in Holland, Michigan. A live stream of the service will take place on Wednesday, April, 28 at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Restlawn Cemetery in Holland, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice (wingsofhopehospice.com) and to the Homes for Our Troops (https://www.hfotusa.org/).
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