Willie Dontae Walker

Willie Rafiel "Dontae" Walker was born on January 31, 1980, in Jackson, MS to Myrtis H. Walker and Willie White. He was the baby boy of seven children.

Dontae departed this life on Friday, December 27, 2024 @8:30pm.

Dontae accepted Christ in his early years, where he attended Wells Grove Baptist Church (Clinton, MS)

Dontae, educated in the public schools of Clinton (Hinds County, MS) attended Sumner Hill Junior High, where he played ninth grade football and later Clinton High School (grades 10th thru 12th) As a senior at Clinton High School, he was named to every award list possible. He was named Mr. Football by the Clarion Ledger. He rushed for 5,153 yards and 76 touchdowns during his career in Clinton. He was the dandiest of the Dandy Dozen (RB-1998) Not only was he rated as the top running back in America, he was considered the top recruit in the country regardless of position. He was also a USA Today and A Parade All American.

Dontae, after high school graduation, a big time recruit sought after by many colleges and universities, went on to Mississippi State University(Starkville, MS) where he was awarded a scholarship in football. Dontae was also known as the "dude of dudes" in football. He was "just so stout" but yet he had great vision, quickness, speed and balance, which made him a really tough, good running back." He chose Mississippi State to be close to family, especially his Mother. Having played in 41 games, he rushed for 1,875 yards and 22 touchdowns for the Bulldogs from 1999-2002. Two big games that he was instrumental in was the win over Florida in (2000) and Texas A& M in the Independence Bowl, later refereed to as the "Snow Bowl"(2000) the conditions during the latter game were terrible by State succeeded with a win.

Dontae, having a desire to obtain another milestone in his life, in 2009, began taking classes at Belhaven College in Jackson (MS) graduating in 2013 with a degree in social services.

Dontae was preceded in death by his mother, Myrtis J. Walker and father, Willie White; sisters, Mary Ann Walker and Christine Walker; brothers, Lonnie Ray Walker; his grandparents, his aunts; Earlene Cavett and Mary King and his uncles, Haywood Cavett, TJ White, Robert Lee White, Sylvester White and Wallace White.

Dontae leaves to cherish his memories and legacy; his children, Destiny Cavett, Taemon Gillespie, Yataevia Gillespie, Taelor Walker, Shamira Maxie, Madison Harris and Aniya Montgomery; his adopted niece, Noelle Blair, along with two children he cared for, Bryce Kelly and Meari Magee; three brothers, Albert(Daisy)Walker of Jackson, Darrell Walker and Robert Earl Walker of Clinton, MS; a sister, Michelle White; two aunts, Katie B. White and Betty J. (Willie) Stewart; four uncles, George T. White, Walter L. White, Johnnie L. White and Robert P. White; a special friend Kattie Lewis, referred to as cuz, who he loved very much, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Dontae will certainly be missed by those who loved him as a father, family member and friend. He never met a stranger. His jersey, number "3" for both Clinton High and Mississippi State, are now retired and resting, along with him, in the Bosom of the Lord!