Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

December 11, 2025

WAXHAW - Russell (Russ) Wayne Walker from Waxhaw, NC passed away the morning of December 11, 2025, surrounded by his wife and children. Russ was born in Rogersville, MO and raised in southern California. His family moved to Waco, TX in 1981, during one of the hottest summers on record. Russ attended Baylor University, and graduated in 1991 with a Bachelors in Business Management. His career started in Dallas, TX in sales and progressed into project and program management in the audio visual field. Russ had a passion for working in the audio visual industry, both a job and a hobby he pursued since he was 15yo; a trade off for not wanting to sing in the church choir. Spending most of his career working on the integration side of AV, Russ was given an amazing opportunity to work for an industry manufacturer in 2022.

During his time at Baylor University, Russ met his bride Susan. They met on a church ski trip to Crested Butte, CO; Russ drove the van. It didn’t take long for Russ to know he would one day marry her. After one and a half years of dating, Russ decided to propose while visiting Susan in her hometown. After Susan mentioned she wanted her father’s blessing, Russ walked straight upstairs to ask her father. Susan accepted his proposal and they married on March 9th, 1991. They began their married life in Waco, TX and moved to the Dallas area after graduation. Two kids and 10 years later, the family moved to NC in 2001. While in NC, the family grew to a party of six. Russ was an amazing husband and father, taking great care of his family. He coached Tee-ball, cheered on at the kid’s hockey, soccer and baseball games, and watched many dance recitals. Russ enjoyed sitting by the fire, hiking with friends and family, mountain biking with his sons, as well as vacationing at Outer Banks. Always on the trend of trying new things, Russ embarked on his journey to ultimate Pit Master with his smoker, enjoying evenings with Susan and friends on the smoker porch.

If you knew Russ well, you knew he was the sharpest dresser, the AV guy, and the go to man to call for any need. Many people recall Russ as the guy always dressed in a button down and khakis. His children would go so far as to say the family would run late due to their dad getting ready. Russ was behind the sound board at every one of his church homes. His passion for production and engineering grew to include Sunday morning and evening services, Wednesday night kids services, annual ballet recitals, and large scale productions. Russ was always willing to help wherever needed; no matter the need or time of day, he was there. Even driving to his mother-in-law’s home to fix her fridge. He brought laughs, comfort, and determination to his family. He had a servant's heart and that’s what made him so special to his family. Russ’ faith was foundational to his life and marriage. Russ was a bit of a spitfire. His red hair spoke to the fire that was within him. No matter what he did, Russ always gave 110%. Family, friends, or work he gave his best.
During Russ’ diagnosis, many friends and family came forward to care and support the Walker family; bringing meals, paying visits, and praying. Past coworkers paid visits and shared stories about how wonderful Russ was to work with.

Russ is preceded in death by parents William Andrew Walker and Carol Elaine Walker, and sister Patrice Elaine Walker.

Russ is survived by his wife of 34 years, Susan Springer Walker. His children Corbett Walker and wife Lexi Walker, Kendall Walker, Langdon Walker, and Hampton Walker. His grandson Hudson Walker who fondly called him Papa Rue. As well as his favorite mother in law Carol Springer. Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-laws, Randy Springer and wife Terri Springer, and William Springer and wife Andrea; nieces and nephews, Sherman Springer, Harper Springer, Hallie Springer, Zachary Springer, and Madison Anne Springer; uncles and aunts, Don Smith and wife Nancy, Bootsie Keltner, Randall Walker and wife Mikey Walker, and Gloria Aldous.

Russ’ family loved hard and fought fiercely alongside him during his illness.

A memorial service to celebrate Russ' life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Carmel Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Russ’ name to Mission Dignity, PO BOX 819109, Dallas, TX 75381-9957; or Carmel Baptist Church, 1145 Pineville-Matthews Rd., Matthews, NC 28105.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.