of Proctor, AR
April 22, 1940 - May 16, 2025
Ira Vernon Walker passed away Friday, May 16,2025 at his home in Proctor. He was 85. Vernon was born on April 22, 1940 to Harry Wolf and Beatrice Wright Walker in Memphis, TN.
Vernon was a hard worker all his life beginning with a paper route as a boy and raising cattle and soy beans in high school. He graduated from Frasier High School in 1958 at which time he was working at Walker Radiator Works. He began running Walker's in 1967 and continued until 2020.
In 1970 he was a founding member of the National Street Rod Association and became the president in 1976. His passion and dedication for the automotive community touched countless lives. The NSRA expanded nationwide and brought street rod enthusiasts together from all walks of life.
Vernon met Georgie Scott where she worked at Johnson Auto in West Memphis. When he delivered or picked up radiators, he would stop by and smile or flip her pony tail. They married in 1959 and celebrated their 65th anniversary in 2025. He was loved as Dad by his children and Grandpoppy by thirteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Vernon could be seen daily mowing, weed eating and working around his home in Proctor. If you happened to stop by, he might invite you in to see the cars or the vintage service station. He admired those who served our country and sent many a care package overseas for troops in service. He especially enjoyed when servicemen or women would stop by to thank him for flying the flag. He loved Christmas and was well known for the Christmas lights he put up each year.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Doris Vick, Gladys Conley, Ethel Holcomb and his brother, Whit Walker. He is survived by his wife, Georgie Scott Walker; daughters, Ginger (Steve) Allinson, Teresa Grubbs, Kim (AD) Williams and son, Vernon Leo Walker; his grandchildren, Michael (Lauren) Allinson, Marybeth (GB) Ward, Mark Allinson, Chris Scarbrough, Ashley (Jeff) Davis, Walker Grubbs, Grant (Blakely) Walker, Shelby (Holden) Dunaway, Taylor (Clint) Nelson, Georgie (Ryan) Deitrich, Robin Pulliam, Ivy (Alex) Sexton, Annabelle Pulliam and great grandchildren, Luke, Addie Jane and Claire Allinson, Gordon and Elijah Ward, Dexter Davis, Maverick, McCoy and Emersyn Walker and Ruston Detrich. He also leaves behind a family of car lovers across the country.
Donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in lieu of flowers.
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17 Condolence(s)
David S. Beck
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
I was so sorry to learn of the passing of Mr. Vernon Walker. My prayers and deepest condolences for all the family. Mr. Walker was know as the ''Father of the Street Rods'' and was a wonderful person who did more than his share to make this world a better place. I count myself fortunate to have had the privilege to have known him. I cherish the conversations we had when he visited Louisville and the Kentucky Exposition Center. I know there is little comfort in word, but I wanted the family to know how deeply sorry I am.
Okolona Street Rods
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Prayer sent to a great leader. Thanks Vernon on all you did for the car Community.
Tina Cooper
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Teresa, I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I know he was probably ready but that doesn't make it any easier. Lots of Love and Prayers for all of you. Love you Tina!
Kathy & Bruce Carlisle
Monday, May 19, 2025
Mrs. Walker and family, we are so sorry for your loss. May God give you all comfort. Our love and prayers are with you.
Ernest Byerly
Monday, May 19, 2025
Dear Georgie Ann:
Please accept our condolences on Vernon's passing.
I know you spent many miles on the roads of America enjoying autos and his company for 60+ years.
Marie McKay
Monday, May 19, 2025
Kim, Danny and I are so sorry for your family's loss. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all during this difficult time. May God give you all ease and comfort.
Skip Readio
Monday, May 19, 2025
I first met Vernon in 1974 and his passing is a great loss to the street rodding community but his legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone he touched including myself.
Love and condolences to the Walker family.
Karen Willams
Monday, May 19, 2025
Vernon was such a kind and gentle soul. He ran NRSA as if he owed every member his heart and soul - he truly cared. My heart goes out to Teresa and all his family - I have you all in my heart and prayers. We loved, respected and admired Vernon - may he rest in peace.
Karen Williams
Retired - Louisville Tourism
Pete McGuire
Sunday, May 18, 2025
I got to know Vernon, first by being a NSRA member plus subsequently later selling him two chassis for his beloved '39 Chevrolets.
He always took time to talk to me, whether it was at a NSRA show or by cell phone when he passed through the Texas Panhandle on the way to a show or on the way home.
He will be missed, my sincerest condolences to the family.
Dewayne Keeton
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Vern was a great man. He will be greatly missed especially by us Street Rodders. He achieved much, made many friends, was very humble and will be missed by many. Praying for his family and many friends.
Ashley Davis
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Me and Dexter love you so much Granpoppy
Larry E. Riddle
Sunday, May 18, 2025
God Bless Vernon Walker and family and NSRA❤️❤️❤️
Dale Hastings
Sunday, May 18, 2025
I am so sorry for the family's loss. There is a loss in the family and the street rod world. A void that is hard to fill.
NSRA Kentucky Safety Team
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Prayers sent to a great person and Hot Rodder.
David Maxwell
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Rest Well Sir I always pray that your last sunrise was the most glorious of your life and that you will rest well in your new home. God grant all of your family peace and quiet blessings as you are returned to your maker. It was a privilege to know you and some of your vast family. Until We Cruise Again, Rest Well
David Huber
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Prayers sent to a Great Street Rodder
Jim & Patti (Danielle) Knaack
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Vernon was always a person who you liked from the get-go! Funny, Smart, Hardworking & Kind as we knew him from NSRA! We worked under him volunteering with NSRA in the Car Sport for over 45 years and he (Georgie) and his children that we have known Teresa & Vernon Leo have made NSRA Great Car Events!
It was/is a Pleasure working for Him and his Children and his Legacy will live on Forever!
Rest in Peace Vernon and know his Family will Cherish the Good Memories 🙏
Jim & Patti (Danielle) Knaack
NSRA NE Division Director