Beloved husband and father Gayle Le Roy Walker, age 87, passed away on May 21, 2023. Pete was born in Beaumont, Texas, on January 22, 1936, to Alvy and Maxine Walker (née Loupe). He was given the nickname "Pete" by his grandmother and used it the rest of his life. His family lived in various locations along the Gulf Coast, where Pete and his older brother Billy roamed the countryside getting into all kinds of scraps.

After graduating from Anahuac High School, Pete attended the University of Texas to study chemical engineering. There he met his future wife, Shirley, at the iconic Dessau Dance Hall. When Pete transferred to Lamar University to finish his degree, Shirley agreed to follow him to Beaumont only if they were engaged. They married in 1957 and started a life together.

Pete and Shirley lived in a variety of places in Texas and Louisiana as Pete worked his way up the corporate ladder as a chemical engineer, eventually settling in the Clear Lake area southeast of Houston with their three children. Pete was always happiest near the water, and he and Shirley resided on Bolivar Peninsula for a number of years after they retired. After evacuating one too many times, they moved to Georgetown, Texas, in 2006, to escape the hurricanes and be nearer their children.

Pete enjoyed boating, fishing, scuba diving, hunting and traveling. Many of our favorite family stories arise from mishaps with these pastimes. Pete and Shirley enjoyed many memorable trips, including ones with their children, his siblings and their spouses, and old friends. Athletic since high school, he continued to play racquetball until age 75 and swam after that. He could also make a mean pot of gumbo, although the mess he left in the kitchen drove Shirley to distraction.

Pete was a lifelong country music fan. Because he was always ready early, the family has many memories of him singing and playing his guitar while waiting for the rest of them. Even when he could no longer participate in most of the activities he loved, he still enjoyed listening and singing to his old favorites.

H e was preceded in death by his parents, Alvy and Maxine Walker; his brother and best friend Billy and wife, Dorothy; his sister Carolyn and husband, Weldon; favorite dog, Hunter; and almost all of his friends.

Pete is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shirley Walker; his children, LaRita Bopp and husband Al of Georgetown, Texas; Amber Walker of Georgetown, Texas; and Matthew Walker and wife Renee of Frisco, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pete's was a life well-lived. He will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank the staff of Truewood and Baylor Scott & White Hospital Round Rock for their kindness and care of Pete in the last six months of his life and during his final illness.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Pete's name to The Caring Place of Georgetown, Central Texas Meals on Wheels, or the charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life is planned for a later date.