Thomas Bederry (Derry) Walker passed away on December 27, 2024. Derry was born August 8, 1937 in Raeford, NC the son of Ella Tarpley Walker and John Walter Walker. He graduated from Hoke County High School in 1955, and East Carolina College (now ECU) in 1960.
While at ECU, Walker was named Managing Editor of the college newspaper, The East Carolinian, and was also Vice-President of EC campus FM radio station. He was elected to the EC Men’s Judiciary, and for these and other activities was named Who’s Who Among Colleges and Universities, 1960 Edition. He was a charter member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity in 1958, the year the fraternity was established at ECU. He also served 4 years in the Army National Guard in the tank division.
In Moore County, he was best known for his 33-year career at FirstHealth of the Carolinas Moore Regional Hospital. He began as the first Public Relations and Development Director in 1973, and retired as Senior vice-President of FirstHealth in 2007. He was responsible for seven departments across the FHC system when he retired.
And though healthcare was Derry’s vocation, music was decidedly his avocation. He played trumpet, guitar, baritone horn, and bass fiddle, which he called his “bullfiddle.” He played trumpet with the Sandhills Community College Jazz Band in the 80’s and was an original member of the Moore County Concert Band.
Walker was also known to be active in the Sandhills Community, including a 25-year membership in the Kiwanis Club of the Sandhills, Chairman “Moore for Tomorrow” committee, United Way of Moore County Board of Directors, and member Steering Committee for Land Use Development in Pinehurst. He was recognized for his efforts by being named Hollister Volunteer of the Year by the Sandhills Chamber of Commerce in 1994, and was named Paul Harris Fellow 4-way Citizen of the Year by the Pinehurst Rotary Club in 1997.
Walker was preceded in death by his parents, his brother John Walter Walker Jr., his sister Catherine, Anne McNeill, two sons Thomas B. Walker, Jr. and Timothy C. Walker and a grandson Steven Evans. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years Jean Morris Walker, a grandson, Justin Evans of Florida, a nephew Edwin McNeill (Pat), a niece, Cathy Owens (Eddie) all of Raeford, great and great-great nieces and nephews Jim, Amy, Walker, Christian, Katie, Michael, Emmy, Will, David, Melissa, Finnley, Stella, Merrin, Elizabeth and Mike. Also surviving, two step-son’s John Mueller (Elizabeth), Timothy Mueller (Kristin) and three step-grandchildren, Joseph, Sara and Matthew all of Southern Pines.
The family has requested in lieu of flowers, memorial gift be addressed to the Foundation of FirstHealth Hospice, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374 or a charity of one’s choosing.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
