J. Ray Walker

James Ray "J. Ray" Walker, age 72 of Dandridge, passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of Sunday, September 27, 2026; following a brief battle with cancer.

Born July 22, 1954, J. Ray was the first of four children of the late James Alfred "Pete" Walker and Joyce Thelma Newman Walker. He often joked about how he had it made until his siblings came along. From birth until this past Sunday, J. Ray never stopped moving. He truly lived life to the fullest.

J. Ray Walker was the epitome of a public servant. A member of the Jefferson County Rescue Squad, J. Ray served as Chief for the past decade. Under his faithful leadership, the squad experienced tremendous growth in regard to training, capabilities, equipment, and facilities. He was also a longtime firefighter, holding most every position within the Dandridge Volunteer Fire Department; spent decades in the construction business as a heavy equipment operator; and for generations of students, J. Ray was a school bus driver, serving the rural communities of Chestnut Hill and Parrott's Chapel for 48 years. For nearly thirty years, J. Ray was also a key employee of Farrar Funeral Home.

In the week before his passing, J. Ray received chemotherapy on Wednesday; but returned to work alongside fellow Rescue Squad members at events like Thursday night's Music on The Town and Saturday's Scots-Irish Festival. On Friday, between driving the bus and working at the funeral home, he even supervised the construction of a new equipment shed at the Squad building.

Among other things, J. Ray was an avid car, truck, and tractor enthusiast, a storyteller, and a dear friend. Most importantly, he loved his family with fierce devotion. In addition to his parents, Pete & Joyce, J. Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Diane Layman Walker; their son, Jay Howard Walker; and a brother, John Luther Walker.

He is survived by his daughter, Misty Dianne Duncan; grandchildren, Jessi (Shaphan) Duncan, Samantha (Haylee) White, Haley (Hannah) Lawson and Derrick Duncan, great-grandchildren, Esme, Zeona, Draedyn, & Jeremias; sister, Joy Ireson; brother, Jackie Robert Walker; nieces, Michelle Wilson, Jennifer Walker, & Myah Wilson; nephews, Jimmy (Kristen) Wilson, John Walker, Jr., and William Diaz; sister-in-law, June Walker; along with several aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends.

Family and friends take great comfort in knowing that J. Ray is now reunited with his beloved wife, Brenda; son, Jay Howard, and perhaps even the family dog, "Kookie"... all of whom passed within a few weeks of one another in the fall of 2019.

As we mourn his passing; we also celebrate the lasting positive impact he had on his family, friends, coworkers, and community. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the Jefferson County Rescue Squad. J. Ray would want us to note that there is a donation box that can be found behind the Squad building, located at 915 Industrial Park Road - Dandridge, TN 37725 or mail to: Jefferson County Rescue Squad P.O. Box 261, Dandridge, TN 37725

Friends may call during daytime hours any time this week at Farrar Funeral Home in Dandridge. The family will officially receive friends from 2 PM to 7 PM Thursday, October 1, 2026 at the funeral home with Pastor Darrell Chambers and Rev. Dr. Sonny Strange officiating a 7 PM service. Burial will take place at 2 PM, Friday, October 2, 2026 at the French Broad Brethren Cemetery in White Pine.

Farrar Funeral Home is honored to serve J. Ray's family; as he was a tremendous part of our family, too.

NOTE: Media representatives are politely asked to maintain a respectful distance from family and mourners during this time. Specifically, media access to Farrar Funeral Home and French Broad Brethren Cemetery are strongly discouraged. That said, recording audio and/or video along the procession route would be considered appropriate. To streamline things, media staging will be at McSpadden, Inc. - located at 613 East Meeting Street in Dandridge. The owners of that property simply request that media please refrain from setting up equipment on the grass. Setup should take place by no later than 1:30PM on Friday, October 2, 2026. Compassionate compliance is expected and greatly appreciated.