My name is Jenna Walker, my younger brother is Ryan Walker. I met my step father, Billy Vanderford, when I was just two years old. He raised us along side my mother, treating us as if we were his children and never asking for anything in return. He was stern and showed affection in his own way, but always made time for us whether it was taking trips or going fishing. Billy and my mother got married November 21st, 2011. After five years of a successful marriage my mother was diagnosed with a rare leukemia. She passed a few months after the diagnoses on October 31st, 2016. That hit my entire family extremely hard- Billy made sure to take on the burden of the funeral expenses and financial struggles of my mothers passing, making sure my brother and I had it the easiest. Just four years later we found him in our family home out in Crawfordville, FL. He had died of natural causes. Unfortunately me and my brother are not sure where to begin- this has been so far the hardest thing we have ever had to do. Neither of us have experienced such financial pressure in our lives- there are a lot of obligations that must be dealt with: from funeral costs/organizing a memorial, attorneys, paying off his Medical debt, caring for his animals, keeping our family home, and getting the house/yard back in shape. Thanks for all of those who have reached out, and thanks in advance for the help. No donation is too small. 
”Billy Vanderford you are my favorite person. I looked up to you more than you wanted me to. We shared the same birthday and I loved that. I wanted to be just like you. But on the same note, I wish you understood how much that actually meant to us as a family. I wish you knew how much you inspired me to do everything I’m passionate about. You cooked every meal that I ate as a kid growing up and also gave me my first restaurant job. You’ve helped me get where I am today and live for a purpose I wouldn’t have found without your influence. You are stubborn in the best way. You helped make me stronger. And I know you wanted to be strong on your own to push through certain health issues so we didn’t have to live this reality of grief and loss again. You tried to swallow that burden so I didn’t have to live it. You made the passing of my mother easier even though it was so hard for you. I’m hurt that I’m again so alone and it is not your fault- and I promise I won’t act on it. I am going to step up and take care of myself and the ones that I love. Thank you for teaching me everything I know. I will be better. RIP. You were a great dad.”
—Jenna Walker, 25, (daughter)
”I never thought that this day would come as soon as it did. I never thought I would have come home to find you the way that I did. You taught me how to bait a hook and how to cast a line. You raised me, along side my mother and father, to become the man I am today. You’ve been in my life for as long as I can remember. 20+ years of life with you that I’ll never forget. From jumping off the Pier in St. Andrews State Park, to just taking me and Jenna to school blaring X101.5 and rockin’ out. I never imagined that only 4 years after losing my mom, that I would lose the next thing closest to her. Now you can finally rest at peace with my mother and your father. I miss you both more than anything in this world right now. And it’s only getting harder as the days are going by. Thank you for everything you’ve ever done for me and Jenna. Let alone, showing my mom what it meant to truly be loved. Rest In Peace, Billy. I love you so much”
—Ryan Walker, 23 (son)
”Billy Vanderford you are my favorite person. I looked up to you more than you wanted me to. We shared the same birthday and I loved that. I wanted to be just like you. But on the same note, I wish you understood how much that actually meant to us as a family. I wish you knew how much you inspired me to do everything I’m passionate about. You cooked every meal that I ate as a kid growing up and also gave me my first restaurant job. You’ve helped me get where I am today and live for a purpose I wouldn’t have found without your influence. You are stubborn in the best way. You helped make me stronger. And I know you wanted to be strong on your own to push through certain health issues so we didn’t have to live this reality of grief and loss again. You tried to swallow that burden so I didn’t have to live it. You made the passing of my mother easier even though it was so hard for you. I’m hurt that I’m again so alone and it is not your fault- and I promise I won’t act on it. I am going to step up and take care of myself and the ones that I love. Thank you for teaching me everything I know. I will be better. RIP. You were a great dad.”
—Jenna Walker, 25, (daughter)
”I never thought that this day would come as soon as it did. I never thought I would have come home to find you the way that I did. You taught me how to bait a hook and how to cast a line. You raised me, along side my mother and father, to become the man I am today. You’ve been in my life for as long as I can remember. 20+ years of life with you that I’ll never forget. From jumping off the Pier in St. Andrews State Park, to just taking me and Jenna to school blaring X101.5 and rockin’ out. I never imagined that only 4 years after losing my mom, that I would lose the next thing closest to her. Now you can finally rest at peace with my mother and your father. I miss you both more than anything in this world right now. And it’s only getting harder as the days are going by. Thank you for everything you’ve ever done for me and Jenna. Let alone, showing my mom what it meant to truly be loved. Rest In Peace, Billy. I love you so much”
—Ryan Walker, 23 (son)