Brown-Crocker

Jay A. Walker Jr.
FAIRFIELD -- Jay A. Walker Jr. of McKenzie Drive in Fairfield succumbed to a long-term battle with illness on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009 at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Waterville. He was surrounded by his family and those who loved him.

Mr. Walker was born in Lewiston on March 13, 1937, the son of Marion (Cromwell) and Jay Walker Sr.

Junior, as he was called by his childhood friends, attended Sabattus and Lewiston schools and was a 1955 graduate of Lewiston High School. Jay was honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1964.

Jay had been self-employed as the owner of Sonny's Pizza in Fairfield for the last 40 years.

He was a member of the Fairfield Police Athletic League board of directors and contributed to that organization from the time he arrived in central Maine. He also was a member of the American Legion Post in Fairfield.

Jay was a member of the Lawrence football "Chain Gang" for many years with his good friends, Ray Cairnie, Bill Donahue and Harold Bickford. He was recognized for his support of Lawrence High School football and girls' and boys' basketball programs by being presented with the Bulldog Pride Awards by all three teams.

For as long as he owned Sonny's Pizza, he vigorously supported the youth of central Maine. From the yearbooks of the local high schools to all of the local sports teams at every level, Jay never turned away a group asking for financial support.

Some of his greatest moments of pride came from the accomplishments of the youth of central Maine. He was a regular at Pine Tree Conference football games and he always spent tournament week at the Augusta Civic Center watching high school basketball.

Mr. Walker was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Priscilla Fletcher; and a brother, Robert Walker.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl (Davis) Walker of Fairfield, who cared for him so tirelessly as his illness progressed; his daughter, Cheryl Skaggs and her husband, Charles of Bennet, Colo.; his son, Scott Walker and his wife, Stephanie of Bath; a brother, John Walker and his wife, Diane of Sabattus; five sisters, Helen Morrel of Auburn, Phyllis Splain of Sabattus, Jean Tarr of Enfield, Connecticut, Jane Sloat and her husband, Merlyn of Auburn, and Barbara Lyman and her husband, Harland of Greene; and a brother-in-law, Richard Fletcher of Old Orchard.

Jay is also survived by the absolute joys in his life, his grandchildren, Jessica and Tanya Smith and Hannah and Jackson Walker.

Visiting hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home -- Winslow Chapel, 173 China Road, Winslow, with a funeral service to begin at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jay's memory to the Fairfield Rescue and Fire Department, 15 Lawrence Ave., Fairfield, ME 04937.

The Walker family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the nurses of Two Central at MaineGeneral Medical Center and the crews of Fairfield Rescue for their compassion and caring of Jay throughout the years. Condolences may be expressed at www.lawrybroth ers.com. 7195608