Remembering Erby Walker

Erby Walker 1937-2008

Erby Walker, Sr. was born October 1, 1937 to the late Leroy Walker, Sr. and Emma Lou Walker in Hamilton, Georgia. Erby was educated in the Atlanta Public School system, attending elementary School and Price High School. Erby was married briefly to the late Barbara Jelks and to this union, one child, Martha Renee' Walker was born.

On June 16, 1959, Erby married the love of his life, the late Maggie Kay Dixon Walker, to this union were 11 children. Erby and Maggie were married for 41 years until her death on September 30, 1999.

Erby joined Greater Bethel AME Church during his latter years and was an active member during the past few years. Many evenings you could find him at the church cutting the grass. His favorite activity was singing in the Men's Choir and he looked forward to singing and enjoyed listening to gospel music, especially Shirley Ceasar.

Erby had a passion for family gatherings and "get togethers". You could always find him walking around with his camera taking candid shots. His "family" included hundreds of people. Other than his family, hunting was his other passion. During the winter months, you could always find Erby sitting in a tree, waiting for the perfect deer to come along.

During his 55 years of employment at The Varsity, the name Erby Walker was synonymous with "What'll Ya' Have". Erby has been featured on various radio and television specials, and even appeared in the 1985 movie, The Slugger's Wife. He received many awards and recognitions, including induction into the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau Hospitality Hall of Fame.

Erby was preceded in death by his loving wife, Maggie Kay Dixon Walker, two daughters, Martha Renee' Walker, Rhonda Erbette Walker, his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Leroy Walker, Sr., a brother, Charlie Roy Walker and other family members.

He leaves to cherish his memory, 10 children: Jennifer Allen; Electra W. Evans (McArthur); Yasmin Walker; Erby Walker, Jr.; Dirk Walker, Sr.; Shawn Walker; Keysler Walker; Derry Walker, Sr. (Erica); Tangia Walker; Anissa Thompson (Akinlana); 19 grandchildren: Tawnya; Aisha; Michael, Jr.; Latoya; Kaylah; Dirk, Jr.; Christopher; Shun; Kevin, Jr.; Derry, Jr.; Quinderrious; Amanda; Nicholas; Erby, III; Chelsea; Jace; Jamaal; Jordan and Justin. 7 great grandchildren: Alijah, Anijah, Alayah, Aljanon, Ethan, Mikel and Aria. Brothers: John (Eleanor); Ferrell (Beverly); Leroy, Jr.; Kelvin (Bessie) and Paul (Diane); Sisters: Patricia and Emma (Bernard) Davis. Mother-in-law, Carrie Dixon, several sister and brother in laws; nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, special friend, Ann Rozier, his Varsity family and many other relatives, friends and loved ones.

This news has made me cry for the first time in a long time.

Erby was a symbol of what made Atlanta a great city. As a boy I viewed him as a giant who got things done. As a college student and as a young man my adoration of him grew. When I moved back to Georgia in 1985 I went to the Varsity to see Erby. That day he became a part of my family.

I truly loved him. Atlanta loved him. He is as much a part of the city's history as Margaret Mitchell, Delta Airlines and Coca-Cola. Our hearts are heavy at this sad news but I will rejoice because Erby is with the Lord. The manna from heaven is a chili steak, chili dog all the way, some rings and an F O.

God bless Erby Walker for what he meant to us.

Rhubarb Jones

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