Mr. McArthur Walker

Mr. McArthur Walker was born February 16, 1942 to the late Annie Elizabeth Lawson of Troy, Alabama. As a very young boy during segregation days Mike took a job in a small grocery store after school to help his mom and siblings. A short while after that while still very young, he began working for the Renfroe's of Troy Alabama where he mastered his craft as a Farrier (someone who shoes horses). He later learned to train and also became a great rider of Tennessee Walker show horses in competitions all over the south. Even though this was during segregation times, he never wavered from what he loved. Mike leaves a legacy or being one of the first black men allowed to compete and many times win in this arena! He was also featured on TV about his craft with the Renfroe's. He continued to work for the Renfroe's for decades until he moved on to another horse owner, Benny Beard as he continued to improve his skills. He later became a native of Union Springs, Al. and trained bird dogs for Herbert Holmes. Somehow, his passion for horse training just wouldn't go away, so he went back to training horses for Mr. Tony Gibson. He trained and showed horses for many years and when it was finally over, Mr. Gibson brought him into the Gibson Home Center store of Union Springs, Al. I don't think there is a person that did business or shopped in that store that didn't know him. He worked faithfully until his health began to fail. Mike had a love for people and people loved him. It didn't matter if they were black or white, he just knew how to carry on a conversation with them all and make everyone feel good with that sincere smile of his. Mike was also very well known in the city of Troy and Union Springs for his starched denim jeans, spit shined boot and spurs along with his Aqua Velva Splash Cologne. He always wanted to look good and smell good whenever he went out on the town. 

He confessed Christ at an early age and later joined Second Baptist Church of Thompson Community.
He was proceeded in death by his mom Annie Elizabeth Lawson; his son James Ward; his granddaughter Lavana Ward; and his baby sister Susan Lawson Fulgiam. 

On July 29, 2022, the Angels called him home.

He leaves to cherish his memories: a loving and devoted wife: Rubye Walker of Union Springs, Al.: Two daughters: Priscella and Melanie Ward of Union Springs, Al. Five brothers: Lavoy (Diane) Lawson of Union, New Jersey: Rudolph (Frances) Lawson of Mundelin, IL.: Jerry Lawson of Troy, Al: Nathaniel (Wanda) Lawson of Troy, Al.: and Cedric (Teresa) Lawson of Rockford, IL. Two sisters: Mary ( James) McGuire of Fort Riley, Kansas: and Gwen (Vaughn) Daniels of Troy, Al. Six grandsons: Jamie Ward, Jonathan Ward, Verrocchio Rivers, Quinterio (Amanda) Hunter, Levante Hunter and Ray Scott Jr. Fifteen great grands and a host of nieces and nephews. Three special friends Namon Calhoun, Robert (Snooky) Walker and one who proceeded him in death, Mr. Sim Posey. Two special cousins/sisters: Ann & Angrell; A special boss/friend Mr. Tony Becky) Gibson. All his co-workers at Gibson were special to him in their own way.

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