Services to celebrate and honor the life of Dairry Walker will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, September 20, 2025 at the North Colonial Chapel of Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuary, 13125 N. MacArthur Blvd. OKC, OK 73142.

Dairry Walker (1940–2025): A Life Dedicated to Family, Community, and Racing

Born on August 6, 1940, in Evarts, Kentucky, to James Lee Walker Sr. and Martha Lee (Pinkard) Walker, Dairry Walker passed away peacefully in Oklahoma City on September 15, 2025, at the age of 85. The fifth of eleven children, Dairry was a decorated high school football player who also learned the art of auto mechanics from his father and older brother, James Walker.

A Legacy in the Auto Industry

Dairry relocated to the Chicagoland area in the 1950s, where he pursued his passion for repairing cars. In 1960, he began working as a Forklift Driver at John Manville, dedicating 40 years to the company before his retirement in 2000. In the 1970s, Dairry and his brother Jamie Walker partnered to open Walker's Auto Repair Shop in Waukegan, Illinois, making a lasting impact in the community. Dairry expanded his automotive enterprise in the 1990s with a towing service, further solidifying the brothers' reputation for serving their community.

Pioneers in Drag Racing

Alongside his brother Jamie Walker, Dairry made history as an early African-American presence in the drag racing world. The brothers began racing at Great Lakes Dragway in the 1960s, with Dairry first driving a Ford Falcon in the late 1950s and 60s. In the 1970s, their craftsmanship and dedication produced the legendary Lively Ford Mustang, a weekend staple at Great Lakes Dragway, Byron's Dragstrip in Rockford, and Black Friday in St. Louis. The Walker brothers and the Lively Ford are recognized annually for their impact on the community and success on the track.

Dedicated Family Man and Mentor

Dairry was a loving husband, brother, father, grandpa, and papa who cherished his family and believed in everyone he met. During his union with Bertha Gilmore, together they had six children: Darlene Walker, Dairry Walker, Jr. (Elysia), Davina Merritt (Henry), DeWitt Walker, Danuel Walker (Jojie), and Deanna Byrd (Sammie). He was married to his "sweetie," Linda Walker, for 46 years, and together they had three children: Melia Callahan (DeWayne), Melinda Vann, and Markus Walker. The couple resided in Kenosha, Wisconsin, from 1980 to 2007 before moving to Oklahoma City in 2007. In both Kenosha and Oklahoma City, Dairry served as a youth football coach and father figure to countless young people. His generosity was well-known, as he often provided rides, money, or a listening ear to those in need.

Enduring Spirit

Dairry's genuine, loving nature and positive spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He often reminded people to be grateful, whispering, "This is the life". His loving smile, contagious laugh, and constant presence will be greatly missed by his wife nine children, eighteen grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, his beloved sisters Joyce Walker, Merna Franklin and his many nieces and nephews.