Audey Hunter Walker

Audey Hunter Walker, 33, passed away on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at Emory University Hospital after a long battle with his own body. Diagnosed at 13 with ulcerative colitis and liver disease at 17, he had a liver transplant in 2010 and colectomy in 2015, that introduced him to his new constant companion, Todd (colostomy). He faced his health challenges with courage, determination and a healthy sense of humor, despite the sometimes hefty challenges that came along with them. He managed to graduate from Emmanuel College with a degree in history in 2015 as well. While there he enjoyed the healthy debate he found at Socrates Café as well as nearly every class he took, some multiple times.

Audey was a prolific reader of all kinds of material, especially history. He loved researching his Irish heritage. He was also a gifted musician, having been involved in musical theater, band, and children and youth choirs both at school and church. What was most impressive though, was his voice. It drew you in and made you feel the emotion he was trying to convey when he sang. He loved working with student ministries at various churches in his lifetime and spent most of his adult life playing guitar and singing in worship ministry. He was passionate about using his voice for worship, not entertainment, and was drawn to songs that caused you to think deeply about life issues. He was an enthusiastic gamer and enjoyed movies, comics and good food.

Audey loved his friends and family deeply, even when he was debating sometimes even the smallest of issues. He took great joy in being the counsel and confidant of those he was close to and was not afraid to say the hard truth in order to make his friends actually think through tough things. He was more compassionate than he showed, more sensitive and caring that he wanted people to know but freely gave those things to those who took the time to stumble past the barbs and briars he laid out.

He fought like the ancient Irish warriors he admired against his diseases, and is survived by his mom, Lisa Self Walker of Athens, Georgia; his dad, Phillip Hughes Walker of Elberton; his brother, Collin Hughes Walker of Elberton; and his beloved pup, Nessa Rose. He also leaves his maternal grandmother, Marie Leard Saxon of Dewy Rose Georgia.

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Luther Lamar Walker, Sr. and Jane Edwards Walker as well as his maternal grandfather, Ralph Lewis Self.

Funeral services celebrating Audey’s life will be held on Sunday, July 3rd, at 4pm at Carlton Baptist Church with Pastor Lee Adams and Mr. Jonathan Hardy officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park in Elberton. The Family is at their respective homes and will receive friends at Berry Funeral Home on Saturday, July 2nd, from 5pm to 7pm.

Flower are accepted or donations in Audey’s memory may be made to: Music Ministry of Carlton Baptist Church, The Crohns and Colitis Foundation of Georgia, or the Mason House of Emory University Hospital.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Audey Hunter Walker.