William Max Walker

William Max Walker, age 101 of Walland went home to be with The Lord Friday, February 24, 2023 surrounded by his family at home.  Max was born in Walland on March 5, 1921 and was a graduate of Walland High School. He was the oldest living member of West Millers Cove Missionary Baptist Church.  He attended Maryville College and was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII serving in the Philippines. He married Dixie Myers Walker with whom he celebrated 76 years of marriage.  Max retired from the Minute Maid Corp. in 1983 as a General Manager.  He was a true family man who loved the mountains and rivers, good coffee, gardening, hiking, and pick-nicking, especially Cades Cove.  Max was a strong, silent, funny, and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend who will be deeply missed by those who knew him. Preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Nora Walker; wife, Dixie Myers Walker;  son, Rodney Max Walker; 5 brothers, and 1 sister.  He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Spencer and Melony Walker of Charlotte Harbor, Fl; daughter and son-in-law, Wendee and Randy Ball of Walland; daughter-in-law, Dannie Walker of Chelsea, Al; 8 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and other family also survive. The family would like to extend their appreciation to his wonderful caregivers Autumn Hawkins, Virginia Martin, and Dolly Arp for their care and compassion.  The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 from 5:00 until 7:00 PM in the Smith Trinity Chapel with a Celebration of Max’s life to follow at 7:00 PM with Rev. Mike Walker officiating.  Family and friends will assemble at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at West Millers Cove Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery for the interment service and burial with military honors.  Condolences may be shared through Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com