Lake life means something different to each of us. It's always interesting to hear what brings joy to someone while at the lake, along with the traditions each Smith Lake family has. In one of our first conversations about the lake, Beth Rigg told me about "The Snack Bar -- being a "westside-er", I'd never heard of such. Beth and her family are avid water sports enthusiast - all three of her children were on a surf board by the age of 2. She and her husband, Tim are both from Cullman and share in a genuine love of this place like so many of us do! After listening, I knew this Snack Bar place had to be checked out! Beth sent pictures while on the water and eventually lured our family over for the "Snack Bar" experience and I'm so glad she did!
When I heard of Mr. Joe's passing in March, Beth and her crew were the first people I thought of. The faces that you see around the lake truly become part of the experience. Beth was kind enough to write this piece to honor Mr. Joe -- who will forever be a Smith Lake icon!
More than Snacks
-Beth Rigg
Joe Walker started the Snack Bar on Smith Lake because as he liked to say, “frankly, therewasn’t any food on this side of the lake”. This was pre Brothers on Smith Lake and Trident Grille so it didn’t take long for the Snack Bar to catch on. Mr. Joe was a character. He proudly wore a T-shirt with a picture of his Snack Bar on the front and the words "Talk to the Man" on the back and topped it off with a white captain's hat. If you took the time to talk to Joe, you knew he was more than just the man dolling out snacks on the water.
Joe offered more than hot dogs, hamburgers and ice cream to Smith Lakers. If there were no other boaters waiting to order, he would often tell you a story or two. Over the years, my personal favorites involved the trips Joe took in his airplane. He talked about flying as we talked about taking a road trip. The man put some miles on his airplane. My husband, Tim favorites were Joe’s motorcycle stories, since he has that in common with Mr. Joe. Having three young children, I like to think Mr. Joe’s stories gave my husband something to look forward to when our children are grown.
Our children have known and loved Mr. Joe for 6 years, since our oldest was 3 and our girls were 1. They enjoyed seeing Mr.Joe’s tall flags waving in the cool summer breeze. As we would round the point on the south side of Goat Island they instantly start waving back yelling, "Hi, Mr.Joe!! Mr. Joe loved our children and always asked how they were doing and what they were interested and involved in at the time. My children always asked for his birthday cake ice cream when Joe would take our order. Of course, they were only allowed to eat it on the back of the boat because it seemed to melt faster than they could get it in their mouths!
Seeing our children reminded Joe of his son and granddaughter. He always shared stories of how they would fly together. Tragically, Mr. Joe’s son and granddaughter were killed in an airplane accident last year. He never spoke openly about the accident to us, but. we offered our condolences and could tell it hurt him deeply yet he kept on doing what he loved; flying, riding, snack boating, spending time with his family and friends. He never stopped living life to the fullest.
Joe offered more than his snack bar and service to Smith Lake. He offered hope and inspiration through his short and sometimes long stories. While waving goodbye with a smile and full belly you knew everyone in the boat had an equally full heart. Knowing Joe meant knowing it was possible to accomplish whatever you desired with a little work and commitment.
The Snack Bar offered Milo’s sweet tea rather than lemonade, I like to think it was Mr. Joe’s way of saying it is up to you to make your own lemonade. As we enter into full on lake season, Smith Lake won't be the same without him, but we know he will never be forgotten as he is now cemented into the history of Smith Lake as the icon he was! His beloved girlfriend, Sandra shared that she thanks God everyday he brought this man into her life! His treasured boat can now be found on Lake London at Duncan Marina, hopefully delivering some of the same smiles Mr. Joe brought to the waters we love here on Lewis Smith Lake.
Mr. Joe Walker
October 25, 1947- March 6, 2021
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