Eugene “Cookie” Julius Walker was born on November 17, 1935, in Keystone, West Virginia to Charlie Walker and Margaret C. (née Thomas) Walker. He was one of thirteen children. He departed this life on July 1, 2024, in Beachwood, Ohio.

Eugene graduated from Gary District High School in Gary, WV where he was a member and a star player on the basketball team. His passion for basketball and his alma mater continued throughout his life as an active and involved member of the Gary District Alumni Association. He eagerly looked forward to reunions and played a role in planning them. Eugene affectionately known as “Cookie” by his family and friends was nicknamed by his sister because she would always save the last cookie for him.

Eugene met and married his high school sweetheart Mary R. Walker (née King) in West Virginia. The couple had two sons in West Virginia, Michael Walker (deceased) and Terance “Tony” Walker, before moving to Cleveland, Ohio where they welcomed their third son, Andre Walker. Eugene was a proud father and grandfather to Nicole Walker, LaToya Walker-Brantley, Amber Walker, Kyra Walker, and his only grandson Sean Walker, and a great-grandfather to Emani, MJ, Tru, Jackson, Kingston, Kyrie, Kendrick, and Nico.

Eugene worked in the coal mines of West Virginia along with his father. He wanted a better life for himself and family and moved north to Cleveland, Ohio where he earned his Associate’s degree from Cuyahoga Community College. Eugene worked two jobs for many years to provide a better life for his children and grandchildren. He also loved to dress and drive nice cars from the time he was a very young man.

He was a member of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church along with other family members and relatives. Eugene retired as Superintendent at the Cleveland Justice Center after decades of dedicated leadership. Although he and Mary divorced, they could not completely deny their emotional/spiritual connection to each other, especially in the past few years.

Known for his avid love of sports, Eugene remained physically active throughout his life. He also stayed informed about politics and was proud to exercise his right to vote in every election. Additionally, he was generous in his charitable contributions, supporting various causes close to his heart.

Eugene was proceeded in death by his parents Charlie and Margaret C. Walker, his son Michael Walker, siblings Bobbie Jean Walker, Mary Lillie Walker, Robert Lee Walker, Charlie Walker Jr. (Willistine “Tina”), Theresa L. Crawford (Henry), brother-in-laws Roger Cabiness and Frank Tate. He is survived by his sons Terance “Tony” Walker and Andre Walker; grandchildren Nicole Walker, LaToya Walker-Brantley, Amber Walker, Kyra Walker and his only grandson Sean Walker; great grandchildren Emani, MJ, Tru, Jackson, Kingston, Kyrie, Kendrick, and Nico; siblings James Walker (Lorine), Pauline Tate, Helen Cabiness, Fred Odell Walker, Darnell Walker (Freda), Rainelle Marie Ramsey, and Jerry Walker (Joanne), a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, especially cousin Kathy Thomas who was there for him during his later years.

Eugene Julius Walker was strong-minded, independent, and hard-working, not settling for nothing less than the best. His legacy as a proud and strong man who earned the respect of all those who knew him can never be denied and will live on forever in his family. A man like no other, he will be truly missed, especially by his sons.