Updated: Several memorial services planned for Flying Possum owner Bruce Walker
With the news that Flying Possum Leather owner Bruce Walker passed away Monday morning, it was a sad day in Fayetteville.
It is also evident that Bruce made a lot of friends and touched a lot of lives in his time here in town.
A group of local musicians gathered in front of the store to play music in his honor this evening. Flowers have begun piling up on the bench outside the store, and residents gathered to listen to the music, and write messages to Bruce on the plywood boards that now cover the store’s windows.
Several more memorials and fundraisers are in the works for Bruce, and here are the details on the ones that we know about.
Memorial Fund
The Bruce D. Walker Memorial Fund has been established to help the family cover funeral expenses. Donations may be dropped off at any First Security Bank location.
Rogers Rec gathering
Several friends of Bruce will gather at Rogers Rec (406 W Dickson St) at around 6 p.m. Monday night (March 7) to raise a Busch (Bruce’s drink) in his honor. Owner Zac Wooden said that he’ll donate 1/2 of the sales from Busch beer tonight to the First Security Bank memorial fund.
Rogue benefit
Rogue will host a benefit for Bruce on with “Tuesday Blues Project,” featuring musicians Jeff Horton, Dave Johnson, Bill Hines, Amanda Rey, and others at 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 10. Haley Shelton from the venue said that they’ll take donations Thursday night, and for the rest of the month for Bruce’s family.
George’s Majestic Lounge service
George’s Majestic Lounge will host a memorial and fundraiser for Bruce on Sunday, March 13 from around 1 p.m. until approximately 9:30 p.m. Bands include Mountain of Venus, Guta, Charliehorse, Sarah Hughes Band, and more. Proceeds from the event will also benefit the memorial fund in Bruce’s name.
Update: The lineup has grown to 16 bands now. Jed Clampit, Mark Bilyeu of Big Smith, Kory Montgomery Band, 1 Oz. Jig, Earl & Them, Pope County Bootleggers, Ultra Suede, Benjamin Del Shreve, Foxy’s Brown Bag Band, Big Un’s, Ozark Blues Society Jam, and Groovement have been added to the bill.
Jose’s service
The memorial on Sunday will move from George’s to Jose’s at around 5 or 6 p.m., according to organizer Joe Giles. There will also be music at Jose’s, and we’ll let you know once the lineup has been released.
Update: Just got word that the benefit at Jose’s has been postponed until 3/20. The event will now include music, a silent auction, and the proceeds will go to a fund established to start and perpetuate the Bruce D. Walker Memorial Stage at Springfest
Impromptu sidewalk vigil
An impromptu service was held on the sidewalk outside Flying Possum Leather Monday afternoon. Below is a set of photos taken by local photographer Chris Clanton. For more, visit the full set on Flickr.
Note: Big thanks to local photographer Chris Clanton for providing the above photos.
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