John Wilkin Walker

July 16, 2016

John Wilkin Walker, 85, died Saturday, July 16, 2016, peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior. He was surrounded by his loving family. He had been battling lung cancer for over a year.

John was born in Sanford, Florida to Johnie Wilkin Walker and Edwin Mercer Walker. The family moved to Bainbridge, Georgia during John’s early years. He graduated from Bainbridge High School and from the University of Georgia, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy. Upon graduation, he was commissioned 2^nd Lieutenant in the US Army. He was assigned to Baumholder, Germany with the 2nd Armored Division, “Hell on Wheels,” as Chief Medical Officer. The United States was involved in the Cold War during his two years of military duty.

It was at the University of Georgia that John met the girl he would marry after his return from Germany. After their marriage, the couple spent a year in Atlanta and then moved to Tallahassee. They would have celebrated their 60^th wedding anniversary next month. They were blessed with a son, Claude and a daughter, Claire.

John served his profession well, as chief pharmacist at the Walgreen Company, for 30 years. He enjoyed traveling and camping, from Europe to the mountains; and his favorite place, the Tetons in Wyoming. John loved the game of golf and enjoyed his golfing buddies, “the dentist guys,” later connecting with John Hills, Jake, Dick, and Bill Swain. Bill is waiting at the Pearly Gates with his putter to greet John.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Elizabeth Grimsley; brother, Dr. Edwin Walker; niece, India Katherine Grimsley and nephew Dr. John Michael Walker; and daughter-in-law Sharon Ewing Walker.

John loved his family and was always dedicated to what he could do to help his children and grandchildren in their Christian upbringing. After his retirement, he felt so blessed to have the time to spend with his children and grandchildren. He delighted in their activities and was especially involved in their educational endeavors.

John is survived by his wife, Maye Ridley Walker; son Claude Walker and his wife Laurie; daughter Claire Harrison and her husband Jim; grandchildren who he adored, Seth Walker and his wife Emily; Spencer Walker and his girlfriend Lisa Bailey; Taylor Anne Short and her husband Cody; Kate Harrison, and James Harrison.

Services will be Wednesday, July 20, 2016. Burial will be at 10 a.m. at Roselawn Cemetery. Golf shirts are optional attire. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 108 W. College Ave., Tallahassee, where John was a member for 53 years. The family will receive friends after the service in the Welcome Center of the church. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be designated to the Florida Baptist Children’s Home or First Baptist Church of Tallahassee.

Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with Mr. Walker’s arrangements.