City Personals

Erin Burleson is all smiles in New York City. She celebrated her 21st birthday with Emma Burleson, Tommy Clifton, and Andy and Brook Burleson.

Sometimes the words come easily, sometimes not so much. Last week, Walker Cupp was admitted to the hospital with issues related to diabetes. One week later, he was gone. Just like that, in the blink of eye. 52 years old, plenty of life left to live. To say it was shocking is an understatement.

Walker lived life by the seat of his pants, always carrying himself with a swagger unlike any other. I was envious of his self confidence. He had that from the jump. I never knew him to not have that air about him. It absolutely made Walker who he was - always the life of the party with a laugh as contagious as chicken pox. You could not help but laugh when he was laughing even if you had no clue why. It was just infectious.

Monday, Christ Episcopal Parish Hall was overflowing with folks from young to old all there to pay their respects to Walker's family. Familiar faces everywhere. The joys of growing up in Holly Springs offer lifelong friends, mostly from the cradle and some picked up throughout the years who came to Marshall Academy. One of those “imports” was Bert Jones. Bert came in from Houston, Texas, with his wife, Laurie, for Walker’s funeral as he was a pallbearer. Following the visitation, everyone went to Hill Crest for a graveside service. Bert spoke during the service adding some levity to it by telling a super funny tale from high school days. He had everyone in the crowd snickering. Other speakers included John Green, John McClatchy, Coach Steve Lyles and Walker’s children, Lexi and Cade.

Everyone who spoke shared their amazing memories of Walker. It was a true testament to how he lit up a room with his enthusiasm and zest for life, for sports and most importantly, for his children. He adored his children, as well as his beautiful little grand daughters. The last time I saw Walker, he was telling me all about the girls. He beamed from ear to ear. He not only loved being a Daddy, he absolutely loved being Coolie to Oakley and Swayze.

How fortunate we all were to have known Walker. He was like a comet - burned brightly for as long as he could. He will not be forgotten and the memories we all hold will forever invoke smiles.

Big prayers to his Momma, Becky, siblings, Beverly and Christopher, children, Lexi and Cade, granddaughters, Oakley and Swayze, and an immeasurable amount of extended family, those of us who considered him family and friends. I have no doubt he was greeted at the Pearly Gates by his Daddy, affectionately called “Big” and his brother, Little Billy.