John Walker Sr.'s Obituary
JOHN P. “J.P.” WALKER, SR. J.P., affectionately known as Gramps, passed away on May 14, 2014, at the age of 92. He was born in Memphis and graduated from Memphis Tech HS Class of ’40. After graduation, he joined the Army Air Corps and served in the 8th Air Force stationed in England during WW II, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant as a crew chief on B-24 bombers. During his service he was awarded the Bronze Star for a mission behind enemy lines in occupied France and also awarded the French Croix de guerre unit citation medal for the same mission. He was called back to active duty during the Korean War for a short period. Upon returning to Memphis, he co-founded Walker Heating Co./Walker-J-Walker, Inc. with his brother, Grover Walker in 1945. He served as President of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Memphis and was well respected by his peers. He was preceded in death by his sister Mary Margaret Walker and his beloved wife Elizabeth (Betty) McGoldrick Walker, who was the love of his life for 59 years. He is survived by his sister Jane McGoldrick, Memphis and brother Grover Walker, Memphis; children John Walker, Jr. (Cindy) of LaGrange, TN, Lynn Walker Winfrey of Memphis and Mike Walker (Julie) of Germantown; seven grandchildren, Tish Bartlett, Tripp Walker, Paige Brasche, Paula Brown, Josh Walker, Micah Walker and Michael Walker; five great grandchildren, Walker Bartlett, Riley Bartlett, Madeline Novak, Jacob Brown and Ethan Brown. Family was everything to our Gramps and he was very proud of his offspring. After retiring he pursued his hobby of woodturning and made many beautiful bowls and salt and pepper shakers. He and Betty were active in the Pickwick Lake community, especially the Aqua Yacht Harbor where they kept their houseboat the “Betty’s Mink”. They had many dear lake friends at Aqua where he was the Commodore of the Yacht Club for 5 years. He was also involved for several years in the East Memphis Exchange Club. He was a member of the LaGrange United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends and family on Friday, May 16, 2014 from 5 pm to 7 pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Funeral services will be on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 1 pm at Memorial Park Chapel with graveside services to follow. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to LaGrange United Methodist Church PO Box 75 LaGrange, TN 38046 or a charity of donor’s choice..
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