"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return.  And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing". II Timothy 4: 7-8

Melvin Wiley Walker Jr., "Junnie", 51, of Bowling Green, Va. departed this life on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at Bowling Green Health and Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by love after a long and courageous battle with chronic renal failure.  Junnie was born April 18, 1973 in Fredericksburg, Va.  He was the first son born to Melvin Wiley Walker, Sr., who preceded him in death, and his cherished mother, Luester Juanita Derricott "Cookie".

Junnie received his education in Caroline County Public Schools.  He continued to pursue higher education in college level courses with a concentration in journalism, writing, and law related studies.  He was an intelligent man and his love of writing led to his handwritten autobiography, "If It Doesn't Kill You" .  This writing depicted the journey of his life as he reassured his readers that if it doesn't kill you it will make you stronger.

Through it all, Junnie always found his purpose and voice in advocating for others.  The last eight years of his life were spent as a permanent resident of Bowling Green Health and Rehabilitation Center.  He became the "Resident President", a role that he took very seriously.  He had absolutely no problem addressing the cares and concerns on behalf of his fellow constituents and staff.  This facility was his family, so much so that after his final extended stay at Mary Washington Hospital, he made the decision to cease all life sustaining measures and return "home" to Bowling Green Health and Rehabilitation Center where he was greeted by an overwhelming amount of love and respect from all those who loved him.  Junnie came back to say a final farewell, because shortly after his return he peacefully entered eternal rest.

He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior early in his life.  Although his life was difficult, God was the orchestrator of his path.

While in the community and abroad, people would speak of how he encountered them when they were facing tough health and life choices.  During his lifetime he spent many days and nights in hospitals.  Junnie always found someone to uplift even when he was feeling a little down himself.  He made the best of life and he found joy in the things he loved.  Some of Junnie's favorites were the San Francisco 49ers, Tupac, Whitney Houston, and Keith Sweat.  Let's not forget some nice cologne and a good spades game and a little trash talking.

His life defied all odds.  He was told that he'd never be able to produce children, yet he leaves to mourn his passing, a brilliant and beautiful daughter, 22 year old Brianna Michelle Walker "Baby Girl".

He was told that the life expectancy of a renal patient is 5 - 7 years but he lived 30 years.  As a family, we were called on numerous occasions to prepare for this death, yet he outlived so many obstacles before him.

Junnie leaves to cherish his memory,, his dear mother, Cookie; three sisters, Juanita (Wylie) Walker, Rosalyn Walker and Brittany Derricott; two brothers, Gregory (Tisha) Walker, and Brandon Walker; two nephews, LeBron Walker and Andre Leistra, Jr.; three nieces, LaBrea Walker, Indya Leistra,, and Noa Leistra; a devoted aunt, "Nancy" Lilian Derricott, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family and friends.