?Karl Alexander Walker ?, 38, of Marietta, died Saturday, September 10, 2016.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 17 at 11am in the chapel of Marietta Funeral Home.

Karl was born in Portsmouth, England and at the age of 12, moved to Philadelphia, PA with his family. Just prior to the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, the family relocated to Marietta where Karl continued to live until his untimely death.

Karl attended North Penn High School and AIU in Atlanta where he graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts. Most of Karl's business career was in the food services industry.

His passions in life were threefold. Firstly, soccer; both as an accomplished player and energetic fan of his beloved Man United and Everton. He was an expert on the rock music scene and became a talented guitar player. Thirdly, he was a hands on, avid supporter in the fight against autism and was an advocate for better services for autistic children.

Sadly, Karl battled severe depression for many years and finally succumbed to this awful disease on September 10th, 2016. His life on Earth was many decades too short, as everyone who loved him will agree, but we believe he is now in a better place, playing his music for the angels.

Karl's survived by his parents, Stephen and Carolyne and his precious sister, Andrea. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Atlanta Chapter of Autism Speaks, an organization very dear to Karl's heart.  To make a donation: please click here.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 16 from 5-8pm at Marietta Funeral home and from 10-11am Saturday prior to the service. Viewing and Service Dress Code: Red and Blue colors (in honor of Karl's favorite soccer teams.) Online condolences may be expressed at www.mariettafuneralhome.org.