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Thomas Walker Obituary
'Boo'
Dr. Walker, 85, died at The Pines in Davidson, NC on Saturday, February 12, 2005. He was born in Marlinton, West Virginia on February 20, 1919 and raised in Steele Creek, NC as the second of four children of the Rev. John Mack and Annie Muller English Walker. He graduated in 1939 from Davidson College, where he was a member of Kappa Sigma, ODK, and captain of the track team. He received a Masters of Education in 1941 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Masters in Public Health in 1942. During World War II, he served as Captain in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a Meteorologist and Weather Officer. He attended medical school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he served as president of his class, and completed his medical education at Harvard University where he graduated with the honor Alpha Omega Alpha in 1950. He completed his pediatric residency at Duke University in Durham, NC, where he was a chief resident. In 1953, he opened Walker Pediatrics where he practiced as a beloved pediatrician until 1989.
Dr. Walker married Margaret Erwin in 1947, and they had two daughters, Lee and Anne, to whom he dedicated his life. Dr. and Mrs. Walker were charter members of Covenant Presbyterian Church, where he served continually as elder, youth counselor, and Sunday school teacher. Dr. Walker served as patron of the Charlotte Symphony and the Mountain Retreat Association of Montreat, NC. His service to Davidson College was recognized by his permanent membership on the Davidson College Board of Visitors and by the receipt of the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1989, the year of his class' 50th reunion.
In 1988, Dr. Walker and his wife moved to Davidson, enriching the life of the college community and Davidson Presbyterian Church. In 1999, they took up residence at The Pines. Dr. Walker was characterized by his devotion to his family and church, his compassionate care of generations of patients, his love of track and field, his great sense of humor, his zeal as a gardener, his talent for bridge, and his natural buoyancy.
Surviving Dr. Walker are his family: Carlisle and Lee Willard, Carlisle Walker Willard and Margaret Burnett Willard of Durham, NC; Anne English Walker and Timothy Shelton, Thomas English Shelton, Conrad Johnstone Shelton II, and Yelena Anne Shelton of Charlotte, NC; and one sister, Sarah Walker Womack of Conover, NC.
A memorial worship service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 19, 2005 at Covenant Presbyterian Church, with the Reverend Dr. John Rogers, Jr., officiating. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall following the service. Memorials may be sent in honor of Dr. Walker to Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 East Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28204 or to the Davidson College Presbyterian Church, PO Box 3337, Davidson, NC 28036.
Harry and Bryant Company is serving the family of Dr. Walker.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Walker
Anita Humphries
March 21, 2005
Dear Dr. Anne,
Dr. Walker was my pediatrician until the day I went off to college. Yes, he gave me my college physical! He gave my mom such great advice as a new mom. When my mom passed away a few years ago I was cleaing out her recipe file and ran across a typed index card titled, "Dr. Walker's Cough Syrup" and it included lemon juice, honey and a teaspoon of whiskey. I laughed until I cried. That was old school I suppose!!! I still remember his poison ivy demonstration.........wash your hands, wash your hands! He went out back into the backyard of his office and rubbed it all over his hands and then came back in and washed his arms thoroughly!! What a gentle man with such heart for his patients. Our daughter Jenny was also a patient of his and yours. Jenny (who is doing well with her CF) is about to graduate from UNC this summer and will be married in the fall. I thank you and your family for all that you have done for our family through the years. God bless you during this time of loss.
With Love,
Anita Humphries
Daphne Tadlock
March 2, 2005
To the Family of Dr. Walker,
I am so sad to hear about the passing of Dr. Walker. I was a patient of his from 6 weeks of age to my teenage years and I loved him dearly! Reading all of these entrys brings back so many memories. I too can remember the hardwood floors, the marbles and the high door knobs. I was never afraid to see him, even if I had to get a shot! I remember his warm smile and his kindness. My oldest son "Walker" was a patient of Dr. Anne Walkers and I felt that same comforting feeling with her but in a different way. I am so glad that his practices with live on in Dr. Anne. I pray that these words will ease your pain knowing how "special" Dr. Walker was to all of us!
Sincerely,
Daphne McKenzie Tadlock
Marshville, NC
AMy Edwards (Parker)
February 23, 2005
Dr. Walker was the best doctor I ever had. His memories will live on forever by all those who knew him well. God bless you all.
Sandy Edwards
February 22, 2005
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in the loss of Dr. Walker. He was my Pediatrician as well as my children's. Had he not retired, he would have taken care of my grandchildren as well.
My Mother-In-Law grew up with Dr. Walker in Steele Creek and he was more like a family friend than our doctor. He had that special way of mixing new medicine along with old fashioned common sense.
He will always be a part of our special memories.
Sandy Edwards & Family
Tina Gabriel
February 21, 2005
May God continue to bless you and keep you during your time of great loss.
Dr. Walker was the pediatrician for myself and 3 older brothers. I have vivid memories of sitting in the waiting room playing with the toys or reading Highlights. I am now 43 years old but still remember him vividly and the kindness he demonstrated. While there is a loss on this side, the children in heaven just gained someone real special. God bless.
Stephanie Sanders
February 21, 2005
Dr. Walker served as the doctor for my brother and I when we were kids. I can clearly remember how I used to sit in the waiting room and play until it was time for me to be seen. Although I was only 5 or younger at the time, I still remember how warm and humble he was and I never felt scared when I had to be seen. Now, at 24, he is the only doctor to this day whom I can see as clear as yesterday.
My family and I extend our prayers and sympathies to the Walker family and express our gratitude in having Dr. Walker in our lives!
Shana Ervin
February 19, 2005
To the Family of Dr. T. English Walker:
Dr. Walker was my pediatrician until I was a 19 year old sophomore at Howard University. (Yes, 19! I refused to grow up.)
I remember my last visit to his office. I was home visiting from college, I drove myself there and was the least bit surprised to see so many children there. However, I believe the nurse was more surprised at me having an appointment by the strange look that she gave me. But I was not the least bit embarrased.
If I remember correctly he was in the midst of passing his practice on to his daughter, Anne, and my appointment was with her. She told me, "Shana, you're getting to old to visit us." Reluctantly, I accepted her referral to another doctor. I didn't know how to let go! Dr. Walker had been my doctor for as longer as I could remember; I was in a comfort zone.
Growing up many of my classmates from elementary school and some of my cousins were also patients of his. As with others, I was quite moved reading about him and his many accomplishments. Pediatricians hold a special place in the hearts of children. (Maybe, more so when we become adults.) And Dr. Walker will always hold one in mine.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time of mourning and celebration of his life.
God Bless!
Ruth Burts
February 19, 2005
All of my family were saddened to hear of Dr. Walker's passing. He was known to us only as "Dr. Walker," this name forever linked with the sound of those rolling marbles (if only we could get through the visit without getting a shot)!
My sister, brother and I always enjoyed laughing about "Walker's Wigwam" each time we passed his house in Montreat...but we secretly knew what a sweet, special and gracious man he was -- who always smiled, soothed our mother's worries and took care of us over the course of so many years!
Heartfelt condolences to his family.
Paige (Swicegood)Strickland
February 18, 2005
Dear Anne,
Your dad was my pediatrician (and my brothers) when we were small. I remember going over the his office and the shiny wood floors, the marble game off to the side and the noise that it made when the marbles came down the ramps. I remember the high door knobs and coming in the back door when I had the chicken pox! Most of all - I remember how gentle and kind you father was.
God Bless you and your family during this time!
Amy Helms
February 16, 2005
Dear Anne,
I'm so saddened to hear of your father's passing. He was truely a wonderful man and I know he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
In Sympathy and Love,
Amy Helms (former co-worker)
Sheri Caskey Ewing
February 16, 2005
My sympathies go out to the Walker family. Dr. Walker was my doctor from the day I was born in 1964 until my teen years when he practically had to kick me out of his practice because I had been going to him for so long that I didn't want to go anywhere else.
I have fond memories of Dr. Walker and the fun waiting/play room.
I can still hear those marbles rolling thru the maze.
Sincerely
Sandra Fowler
February 16, 2005
Dear Anne,
Though I did not know your dad well, I knew him well enough to know that he was a great man with a great heart, and that he will be greatly missed.
With love and sympathy,
Sandy
Sandra Biggers
February 15, 2005
Dr. Walker was a wonderful pediatrician to my first son. He mixed humor with encouragement with regard to small children. I was saddened to hear of his death. Reading his obit brought back many good memories of him years ago when I lived in Charlotte.
Sincerely,
Sandra H. Biggers
Janice Walker
February 14, 2005
Sorry to learn of Boo's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lo, Janice and Rebecca Walker
Carol Lindsey
February 14, 2005
Dear Ann & Lee,
I was so saddened to hear of Dr. Walker's death.He was a wonderful
gentleman and I am so happy to have been able to get to know him and both of you. I know you will miss him greatly --hang on to those good memories.
In friendship,
Carol Lindsey,RN
(retired 1st shift Chg RN -The Pines Health Care)
Joel Harrison
February 14, 2005
Many happy memories, both for me and my family. Boo was an inspiration.
our sympathy,
Joel Harrison
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