Mr. Guy Walker, Obituary (1925

VIEING: The Family Will Not Be Present - Date: July 26, 2010 - Time: 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm - Location: The Palmetto Mortuary FUNERAL SERVICES: - Date: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - Time: 12:00 Noon - Location: First Baptist Church of James Island 1110 Camp Road James Island, SC 29412 BURIAL: Stempoint Cemetery James Island, South Carolina Mr. Guy Walker Sr., was born on May 5, 1925, on James Island to the late Mr. Oscar Walker Sr. & Carrie Richardson Walker. Guy began his educational journey at the Sol-Legare School and later enlisted in the United States Navy. On September 19, 1942 began his active military career in the Navy and serving in World War II (1939-1945). Guy was the first African-American to join the Navy from James Island. His highest rank in the military was ST3c (Steward, Third class). He received from his devoted service the following medals of Honor: the American Area Camp, Euro-African-Mid East Area, World War II Victory, and Good Conduct Medals. Guy's service in the US Navy was spent at the stations of Naval Training Station (NTS) of Great Lakes, Illinois, and the Naval Operating Base in Norfolk, Virginia (NOB). The vessels that Guy served on were the USS Davis (DD-395) launched & commissioned in 1938 and the USS Wilkes-Barr (CL-103) launched in 1943 and commissioned in 1944. During his military career he married his childhood friend Margie Middleton, who moved to "Fiddler Hill" area of Sol-Legare as a child. The couple was married on October 13, 1946 and from this union 6 children were born and 1 preceded him in death. In the year 1950, Guy became a member of First Baptist Church of James Island, pastured by Rev. William Grant; under the leadership of the late Mr. Jerry Leff. After the death of Jerry Leff, Guy had many other leaders. At the time of his departure, Deacon Henry Heyward was his leader. His military career in the Navy was ended when he lost his sight at an early age. Despite losing his sight, which didn't limit his ability to still lead an active and fulfilling life. Guy spent many of his days working on projects and assisted with other household duties. Such projects involved him working and relaxing in the barn and maintaining his barn's wood burning stove, repairing lawnmowers, washing machines, and bicycles. He also found the time to assist with child care while Margie worked, babysitting grandchildren and completing sewing and other repairs on clothing. Guy leaves to cherish precious memories: a loving and devoted wife Mrs. Margie Walker, three sons: Arthur L. Walker Sr. (Pamela), John N. Walker, and Raymond Walker all of Charleston, SC; and two daughters: Cathy M Walker of Charleston, SC and Barbara W. Dennison (Cephus, Jr), of Georgetown, SC. Preceded him in death was his son Guy Walker Jr. He also leaves nine grandchildren, nine great-grand children, two sisters: Reverend Gladys Grant (Oliver) and Frances Roper (the late Donald Roper) of Charleston, SC. One brother-in-law: Thomas Prioleau (Dorothy) of Townsend, GA. Four sisters-in laws: Rosalie Kelly of Washington, DC, Melvina Walker of Charleston, SC, Louise Walker of Houston, TX and Vivian O Alston of Newark, NJ. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Siblings that preceded him in death were Susie Walker Wilder, Maggie Walker McCloud, Hezekiah Walker, Oscar Walker Jr., James Walker Sr. and Leroy Walker.