Robert Charles “Bubba Chuck” Walker III, born August 15th, 1950, passed away on Thursday, February 27th, 2025. Chuck passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Family and friends were able to spend the last day together with him, laughing, crying, and remembering all the qualities and stories that made him the singular person he was. He unshouldered an immense burden of physical pain when he passed, but he never let that pain define him, even in his last days.

He is survived by his long-term partner Lin DuPont; his son Luke DuPont (Shannon Strassner); step-sons David DuPont, Robert DuPont (Carolyn Jones), and Aaron DuPont; his sister Suzanne Walker, his niece Patricia Blackbourne; his grandchildren Zach Frazier, Vaughn DuPont, Amber Frazier, Josh Frazier (Ellen Stollar), Sukha Hartsell-DuPont, Bright DuPont, and Grant DuPont; his great-grandchildren; and daughter outlaw, Paige Hartsell (Bill Day).

He was preceded in death by his daughter Ali Frazier, his sister Patricia Walker, his mother Nicky Theodose, and his father Robert Charles Walker II. He is also survived by many long-term friends; connections he maintained and valued dearly.

Chuck attended Brevard College, where he studied biology and played soccer as a striker and helped lead Brevard to victory in the state championship until his scholastic career was cut short by the Vietnam War.

Chuck spent countless hours with his grandchildren divulging his knowledge of music and spirituality; a very formative connection for them. He was a musically-inclined, avid Martin guitar collector; always choosing with purpose, what his next stringed instrument would be; he played with genuine Appalachian spark and twang until his fingers wouldn’t let him. He also spent years of his life as a percussionist.

Chuck was known for his regaling of stories from the old days. Whether it was backpacking through Nepal, riding trains and hitchhiking across the country he loved, living in the Great Smoky Mountains with lifelong friends, or breaking his neck logging solo and riding with Lin while he braced his neck with his arms the whole bumpy drive to the hospital.

Chuck leaves a wealth of knowledge and insight in his wake; being an influential part of many peoples’ lives. His wisdom and spirituality imprinted on all that knew him well. He was well-read, could operate a dozer like the pro he was, and walk the length of a fallen tree with a chainsaw running well into his 70’s. His gruff exterior was not impenetrable, (albeit intimidating) and he was there for people in ways that were both tangible and ethereal. Whatever you needed, it was usually precipitated by an hours-long conversation in Chuck's room surrounded by the trinkets and treasures that echoed his life's adventures and interests.

We can never thank him enough for the lessons and memories he gave to his friends and family; we love and miss you.

Please join us in celebrating Chuck’s life Saturday morning on March 8, 2025, at 10:00 am for visitation followed by service at 11:00 am at Hill and Wood, 201 1st St N, Charlottesville, VA 22902.

Condolences can be made to the family at www.hillandwood.com 

Submitted by Sam Clarke.