John R.D. Walker's Obituary
John R. D. Walker was called home by his heavenly Father on Sunday, February 16, 2025. Born in Huntsville, Alabama in 1943, John was raised in a military family, and grew up in Albertville, Alabama, Great Lakes, Illinois, Norfolk, Virginia, and Stratford, Connecticut.
John is predeceased by his parents, Lt. Commander John R.D. Walker, Sr., Essie Roberts Walker; and daughter, Melanie Roberts Walker, a veteran of the United States Army.
John is survived by his wife, Karen; son, James Walker (Samantha); daughter, Rebecca Walker Ortman (Paul); son-in-law, Gene Ragan; grandchildren, Audri Walker and Henry Walker; sister, Joy Donini (Maurice); brother, James R. Walker; Kay Bates; and a bevy of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, wonderful friends (and his dogs).
It is difficult to describe, in a simple obituary, the fulness of the man that was John Walker. John was a man of great toughness, intelligence, humor, devotedness, wisdom, principle, and compassion. He served with honor in the United States Army during the Vietnam era with the 10th Special Forces Unit deployed to Bad Toelz, Germany. John attended jump school at Ft. Benning where he earned his “wings” as a paratrooper. Many years later, Melanie attended jump school at Ft. Benning as well. One of John’s most cherished moments was the privilege of pinning Melanie’s wings at her graduation, an act afforded a parent who had also earned his wings.
In his college days (first at Snead College then graduating from Old Dominion University), John worked in the massive laundry at the Norfolk Naval Yard “shaking the oomph out of shirt tails” and determining then that he should pursue higher education and a better career! John spent the better part of his working life as a salesman and sales manager for Union Camp Corporation, Bowater Sales Company, and Georgia Pacific Corporation, where he met some of his closest, lifelong friends, and about which several chapters of adventures could be written.
Well into adulthood, John became a Christian, and demonstrated to others the mercy and grace shown to him. With each passing day and throughout his illness, he was faithful, knowing that “he would be all right” no matter the outcome. John’s love for his family and his friends was unconditional, and each one of us is blessed to have loved him and been loved by him.
He will be sorely missed, but we rejoice in the knowledge that this parting is only for a time.
Victory in Jesus, my Saviour forever; He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood. He loved me e’er I knew Him, and all my love is due Him. He plunged me to victory, with His redeeming love.
A memorial service honoring John's life will be held Saturday, February 22, 2:00 PM at Davis-Struempf Chapel with Rev. Keith Bates officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 2:00 PM before the service.
Interment will occur at Georgia National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in John's name may be made to Calvary Children's Home at https://calvarykids.org/
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