More detail on this person: Martin W. Walker,
69, of Sanford, passed away peacefully at home
surrounded by family on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011,
following a challenging two-year illness that he
handled with strength and grace.
He was born in Tacoma Park, Md. on June 4, 1942.
"Marty", as a true patriot and for the love of his
country served in Vietnam as a Warrant Officer,
Army Helicopter Medivac Pilot, where he was
awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak
Leaf Cluster, among other honors.
In 1961, he married Betty J. Wright Walker, his
high school and current sweetheart. They shared a
wonderful life together and lived in many
locations, among them were Maryland, Texas,
Alabama, New Jersey, and North Carolina. He was
employed by I.B.M. for 31 years, then ten more
years at Stanley Works, missing only four days for
illness in 40 years. Marty enjoyed his membership
of 20 years at Shiloh United Methodist Church,
sharing in the church mission work at many Habitat
Homes for Humanity, Hinton Rural Life Center, the
Chancel Choir and many other church projects.
Marty and his son, Duke, traveled to Guatemala to
help build a church in 2007. He and Betty retired
four years ago to Sanford, where they became
members of Poplar Springs United Methodist
Church. There, he continued to sing with their
choir.
Marty's life was spent loving and enjoying his
family. He used his skills as a woodworker to
bring Betty's visions to life. That enhanced
everything from elementary school performances to
making huge banners for the high school soccer
team. Making and hauling unique furniture to dorm
rooms and seminary rooms was a hoot for him. To
be involved and close to his children's lives and
their friends, was his total joy. He loved his
grand- daughter, eight month old Milli Jean, who
brought him enormous pleasure.
Marty is survived by his wife, Betty; his son, the
Rev. Duke Walker and his wife, Denise; his
daughter, her husband and his granddaughter,
little Milli Jean; he is also survived by his
mother and two brothers. The family would like to
express their extreme gratitude to First Health
and Liberty Hospice of Sanford for their
unforgettable kindness and caring for Marty during
the past two years. The family requests that
memorials be sent to Poplar Springs United
Methodist Church, 1809 Poplar Springs Church
Road, Sanford, NC 27330. Online condolences may
be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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