Royce Lee Walker

Royce Lee Walker, 87 of Big Spring, Texas, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

A visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Trinity Memorial Park in Big Spring, Texas.

Royce was born on October 22, 1938, in Big Spring, Texas, to Shirley Walker and Nannie Lee Tubb.

A fourth-generation Howard County farmer and rancher, Royce lived a life defined by faith, family, and service.  Royce graduated from Big Spring High School in 1957 before attending Howard College. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, carrying the values of hard work, integrity, and commitment throughout his life.

In 1960, Royce married the love of his life and best friend, Linda Leonard. Together they shared 67 years of marriage, raising three children: Doby Walker, Wendy Walker Brown, and Cole Walker. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially hunting and fishing with his sons and grandsons.

Royce’s remarkable agricultural career spanned more than six decades. His love of farming began at an early age, washing tractor parts for his uncle before becoming part owner of Walker Tractor Company. At just eight years old, he learned to drive a tractor, and by age eleven he had planted his first cotton crop on land he continued to farm throughout his life. At sixteen, while still in high school, he began his own farming operation on 230 acres of leased land. In 1966, he committed himself to full-time cotton farming, steadily growing his operation.

Royce was a respected member of the agricultural community and served on the Board of Directors of the Knott Coop Gin. In 1993, he was honored as the Howard County Conservationist of the Year in recognition of his dedication to responsible land management. His lifelong commitment to agriculture was further recognized in 2014 when he received the Big Spring Ag Producer of the Year Award.

Although Royce officially retired from farming in 2021 after more than sixty years in agriculture, he never lost his love for the land or the farming way of life. Retirement provided him with the opportunity to spend time in Ruidoso, a place he dearly loved. He enjoyed the beauty of the mountains, the slower pace of life, and the time spent there with family and friends. Even in retirement, he remained happiest outdoors and was always planning his next adventure.

Royce’s faith was a guiding force throughout his life. He faithfully attended the Baptist church for many years and, after retiring, found great joy and fellowship worshiping at the RaceTrack Chapel in Ruidoso Downs.

Royce is survived by his beloved wife Linda Walker; his children, Doby Walker (Kasi), Wendy Brown (Cary), and Cole Walker (Katie); his grandchildren, Kodi Dixon (Ivy), Kaci Walker, MaLinda Pope (Dustin), Amber Adair (Adam), Lindsey Mullen (Brett), Cody Weston Brown, Elizabeth Wheeler (Nic), Garrett Wheeler (Laura), Cash Walker, and Colby Walker; and his great-grandchildren, Conner Dixon, Tucker Dixon, Kayson Walker, Kyler Sharpe, Kenzi Wooldridge, Karli Wooldridge, Kylie Adair, and Bristol Mullen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Shirley Walker and Nannie Lee Tubb Walker, and his sister, Shirlene Rainey.

Royce will be remembered as a devoted Christian, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, farmer, rancher, and friend. His strong faith was the foundation of his life and was reflected in the humility, kindness, integrity, and quiet strength with which he lived each day. Through his dedication to his family, his stewardship of the land, and his service to his community, he leaves behind a legacy that will continue for generations. His example of hard work, integrity, and quiet strength will live on in all who were blessed to know him.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for the many prayers, acts of kindness, and expressions of love and support shown during this difficult time.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory in Big Spring. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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