Howell Candler "Buck" Walker Jr.

Howell Candler Walker Jr. , 95, of Dublin, Georgia, passed away on August 15, after a brief hospitalization.

H.C. "Buck" Walker was born July 11, 1930 to Howell Candler Walker Sr. and Annie Lou Walker of Roberta, Georgia. Upon graduation from Dublin High School, he alternated working at J.P. Stevens' Dublin Woolen Mill and studying industrial engineering in Georgia Tech's cooperative education program. A member of Sigma Chi fraternity, he graduated from Tech with a Bachelor of Science degree in textiles in 1953, received a U.S. Army officer's commission and did two years' service and resumed working at J.P. Stevens' Dublin mills. Buck's entire career in the woolen textile industry was with J.P. Stevens, in various positions and locations. Over the next thirty years he worked his way to the top, and in 1986 he and two partners purchased J.P. Stevens' Woolen and Worsted division, which then became Forstmann & Company. He served as executive vice president of manufacturing and retired in 1989.

Buck is survived by his loving wife of the past 25 years, Joann, his brother,William "Jerry" Walker of Roberta and sister, Joanne Matthews of Jacksonville, Florida. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Mary Ann (Core), of Dublin and is survived by their five daughters and son: Terry Herbst, of Mt.Pleasant, S.C. (Karrie, Ashley, Amanda); Tina Brown (Dan) of Lascassas, TN (Courtney, Jessica, Christopher, Spencer, Emily); Kellie Walker of Dublin (Kristina, Jennifer, Blake, Will) ; Dana Walker (Skip) of Watkinsville (Koren, Kelley, Mary Grace); Toni Helton (Frank) of Dublin (Hannah, Luke); son Scott (Stephanie) of Charlotte, N.C. (Scott, Brooke, Andrew, Maggie, Cole, Lilly, Annabelle); stepdaughter Julie Royal (Gary) of Cumming (Mace) and stepson Jamey (Nicole) Whitley of Tifton (Turner, Marley); thirty great-grandchildren (and two on the way).

Graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, August 22, at Roberta City Cemetery, Roberta, Georgia. Military Honors will be conducted by the US Army. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Curechildhoodcancer.org/donate.

Stanley Funeral Home and Crematory/Dublin Chapel has charge of funeral arrangements.