FT. DEPOSIT, Ala. (AP) — Billy Walker, the Grand Ole Opry legend whose hits included "Charlie's Shoes" and "Cross the Brazos at Waco," died in a wreck along an Alabama interstate early Sunday. He was 77.
Walker was killed along with his wife and two of his band members when a van they were riding in ran off Interstate 65 south of Montgomery and overturned, state troopers said.
Killed in the 12:40 a.m. wreck were Bettie Walker, 61; and Charles Lilly Jr. 44, both of Hendersonville, Tenn., and Daniel Patton Sr., 40, of Hermitage, Tenn.
Walker's grandson, Joshua Brooks, 21, also of Hendersonville, was injured in the accident. He remains in critical condition at an Alabama hospital.
The group was on their way back to the Nashville area after performing at a show near Gulf Shores, according to Tom Bowers, manager of the Hendersonville Funeral Home.
Bowers said family members have contacted the funeral home, which will be conducting services for the Walkers.
According to the Opry's Web site, Billy Walker was born in Ralls, Texas, and built an early career as the "Traveling Texan, the Masked Singer of Country Songs" and later shared the stage with Elvis Presley.
Walker joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1960.
Old Spice: If your grandfather hadn't worn it...you wouldn't exist.
It appears the driver went to sleep. Just speculation, 12:40 in the morning. Most of us know the story that Waylon Jennings and Ritchie Valens vied for a seat on the fateful plane of Buddy Holly. Hawkshaw Hawkins and and Billy Walker switched places on the plane that killed Patsy Cline, Hawkins, Cowboy Copas, and the pilot.
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It appears the driver went to sleep. Just speculation, 12:40 in the morning. Most of us know the story that Waylon Jennings and Ritchie Valens vied for a seat on the fateful plane of Buddy Holly. Hawkshaw Hawkins and and Billy Walker switched places on the plane that killed Patsy Cline, Hawkins, Cowboy Copas, and the pilot.
Looks like this guy had some purpose to complete before ultimately meeting his fate. Kinda gives you a chill thinking about it.
SUNNY: What does a girl have to do to go to bed with you? CALLAHAN: Try knocking on the door.
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