Born in Concord, North Carolina, Walker graduated from Concord High School in 1955, where he was a standout in football, basketball, and baseball. He played football and baseball at Appalachian State Teachers College earning his bachelor's degree in 1960. He would later earn a master's degree from North Carolina State University in 1977.

Walker dedicated 15 years to coaching wrestling, playing a role in growing the sport in the Raeford/Sanford area. From 1960 to 1967, he taught and coached wrestling and football at Raeford High. He also coached football, basketball, track, and baseball at Hoke County High. From 1967 to 1979, Walker coached football and wrestling at Sanford / Lee County High School.

After his coaching career, Walker transitioned to teaching and worked in the Montgomery County School System from 1982 until his retirement in 1993. Additionally, he worked at the Department of Corrections as a teacher from 1979 to 1982. Walker's impact in education was recognized when he received the Jaycee Outstanding Educator Award in 1981.

Walker began officiating wrestling in 1964, with an impressive track record officiating at various levels. He officiated the NCAA Division II Nationals five times, the NAIA Nationals, the NCAA Division Il Regionals 15 times, and the NAIA Regionals eight times. At the high school level, he has worked multiple NCHSAA Individual State Championships, Regional tournaments, and State Dual Meet Championships. Notably, Walker was a regular official at the WRAL tournament at Athens Drive High, having worked the tournament 28 times.  Walker was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the NCHSAA in 1998.

Beyond wrestling, Walker has demonstrated versatility as a sports official. He has officiated baseball, softball, football, and volleyball. He is a life member of the Southeastern Athletic Officials Association/Fayetteville Officials Association, where he served as the NCHSAA Southeastern Regional Supervisor from 1998 until 2013.  Walker was inducted into the North Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2010.