Walter Proctor Walker

Walter Proctor Walker of Greenwood Memory Care in Marietta, GA, and formerly of Sandy Springs, was called home on November 13, 2024. He was born in Lakeland, FL to the late Virginia Proctor Walker and John Pearson Walker. He grew up on a farm in Collierville, TN and attended the Webb School in Bell Buckle, TN. Following in the footsteps of his two brothers, he graduated with a degree in physics from Davidson College. He met Mary Frances Harney on a blind date in Murfreesboro, TN. They both were born on April 11, 1928. They were married in 1948 and were only separated by death, some 74 years later. The family moved to Knoxville where their first son was born, and where Walter attained a master's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Tennessee. Their second son was born in Charlottesville, VA where Walter earned a doctorate in electrical engineering and nuclear physics at the University of Virginia.

The family moved to Sandy Springs in 1960 as Walter managed Lockheed's nuclear facility in Dawsonville. That facility included the only unshielded nuclear reactor in the United States (if not the world), and its existence and operation were closely guarded. Walter left Lockheed in 1969 to join the Audichron Company as senior vice president. Walter became the CEO of the company and also was a director of the John and Mary Franklin Foundation of Atlanta.

Walter was humble regarding his success and chose to drive a barebones VW Rabbit. He loved to work with his hands and rarely found a job too dirty or too tough to tackle personally. Even at 90, he still worked on his car and mowed his own lawn. He encouraged hard work and education and taught various handyman skills to any family members who were interested. He was a hands-on father, uncle and grandfather. He helped with Boy Scout projects, attended many ballgames and was always available to help with home and auto repairs.

Walter and his wife were active members of Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church in Sandy Springs for more than 60 years. He served as a deacon and an elder and used his telecommunication and computer skills in service to the church and to the Mount Vernon School. He and his wife had many lifelong friends and frequently found ways to help others in need.

Walter was an accomplished golfer. He never had a hole in one, but shot an 83 when he was 85 years old. He played an occasional round of golf with grandsons until his early 90's. He took up tennis later in life, only giving it up at the age of 93 to attend to his wife's failing health. He enjoyed many activities with family, including weekend trips to Lake Lanier and annual family ski vacations in Colorado and Utah. He and his wife had a lifelong love of dogs (particularly Boston Terriers) and passed that affection on to their children and grandchildren.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers and their wives, his own wife and his younger son, Mark Harney Walker. He is survived by his older son, Walter P. Walker Jr. (Nancy) of Marietta; his daughter-in-law, Joy Walker Hastings (John) of Atlanta; his grandchildren, David Harney Walker of Marietta, Melissa Walker Simmons (Christopher) of Vestavia Hills, AL; Michael P. Walker (Shelly) of Marietta; Laura Walker Prospero (James) of Atlanta; seven great grandchildren: Walker, Paxton, Finley, Myles, Josie, AJ and Amelia; nephew John Earl Harney (Debbie), niece Susan Harney, great nephew, Justin Harney (Rebekah), great niece, Jaclyn Harney Williams (Chad) of Murfreesboro, TN.

A private graveside service will be held in Arlington Cemetery in Sandy Springs. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to the Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church in Sandy Springs.