John F. "Johnny" Walker

Dr. John F. Walker, III, age 54, of Pascagoula, passed away unexpectedly Friday evening, February 21, 2025, after a lifetime filled with caring for others.  Johnny was born June 1, 1970, and graduated from Pascagoula High School.  He attended Mississippi State University, where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and a university cheerleader.

After attending Mississippi State University, Johnny enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served eight years on flight crew, and was a proud veteran.

Johnny graduated from William Carey University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and obtained his doctorate degree from Texas Chiropractic College.   Johnny returned to his beloved Gulf Coast to open his practice and was blessed to be introduced to the love of his life and wife of more than 20 years, Maria (nee’ Connely), who worked side by side with him to create a thriving chiropractic practice.

While Johnny was loved and active in his community, first and foremost in his life was his profound dedication and love for his wife and their children, Kelsey (Zachary) Araujo, Peyton, and Jase.  He adored his beautiful grandchildren Nathan, Taylor, Blake and Blythe, and could not wait to take them to Disney World, his and Maria’s favorite vacation spot.

A proponent of bodybuilding and healthy nutrition, Johnny was a mentor to countless others who came to him for guidance and training. He served as a judge for the National Physique Committee (NPC), the premier amateur physique organization in the world. He earned the title of Mr. Mississippi as a master competitor, as well as many other bodybuilding awards.  He achieved his lifelong dream of owning his own gym in 2024, when he founded Walker’s Steel Mill in Gautier, Mississippi, along with his best friend and surviving sister, Wendy (nee’ Walker) Martin.   He loved that he was able to instill his love for bodybuilding into his children, nieces, and nephews. 

He cofounded First Class Auto Sales and Service on Ingalls Avenue in Pascagoula with his brother-in-law and beloved friend, Bruce (Lindsay) Connely. He is also survived by his sister Charee’ (Matt) Runyon of Austin, Texas; sisters-in-law Kelly (Rolando) Villarreal of Mission, Texas, and Wendy Connely (Ryan) Schnoor of Pascagoula; and Aunt Sara Taylor of Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

Johnny volunteered his time as a youth baseball and football coach.  He served the City of Pascagoula as a councilman, and was very proud of the achievements and improvements that he was able to help accomplish in that position.  He was honored to serve as a Duke for the Krewe of Tri-Cities.  He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pascagoula.  He always had time for his friends, a hug waiting for you if you needed it, and an infectious laugh that would resonate throughout the room leaving a smile on everyone around him.

His memory lives on within the hearts of his nieces and nephews; Mary-Elizabeth (Travis) Harper, Jonathan (Kyra) Martin, Moira Bellivan, Mikhael Bellivan, Austin (Alyssa) Connely, Madison Connely, Logan Connely, Zoe Connely, Walker Connely, Briana Connely, Christian Connely, Alexis Villarreal and Aiden Villarreal; and within his numerous cherished cousins and friends.

Johnny was proceeded in death by his father, John F. Walker Jr. and mother Mary Sue “Suzy” Rains Walker both of Pascagoula, his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank (Elizabeth) Rains, of Pascagoula, and Mr. and Mrs. John F. (Lurlene) Walker, Sr., also of Pascagoula,  aunts and uncles James and Ann Smith, Johnette and Joe Colingo, Frank and Marilyn Rains, Jackie and Harry Burrow, and Linda Harkey.

He was also predeceased by his brother-in-law, Brian Connely who will forever be treasured by the Walker family for introducing his beautiful sister, Maria, to Johnny.  Johnny and Maria knew the moment they met that they were soulmates and married just three months later.  From that moment on, they were rarely apart and loved each other with a love that could only be described as a true love story.

 ‍In addition to his wife, children, and sisters, Johnny leaves a host of friends and family who will always hold him closely within their hearts. ‍

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, February 27, 2025, at O’Bryant-O’Keefe Funeral Home in Pascagoula.  Military funeral honors and Memorial service will be held immediately after the visitation at 6:00pm in the funeral home chapel. 

In lieu of flowers, family members have set up a gofundme account to help Maria with their youngest son’s college tuition and immediate expenses.  Donations may be made to support the Walker Family Fundraiser by Kelsey Araujo : Support the Walker Family in Memory of Johnny

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for Johnny and the Walker family. You may send condolences to his family or share a memory of Johnny on the Tribute Wall. 

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