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Larry Walker Obituary

The "Great Larry Walker" passed away October 1, 2020. He was born March 21, 1938 in Culver City CA. In is life Larry was the employer of thousands, a friend of hundreds, mentor of dozens, grandfather & uncle of 12, father of 2 and an amazing & loving husband. Larry served our country as a Marine right out of college, started his career in the hotel business as a banquet bus-boy then on to become a famous hotelier, opening and running hotels all over the world for Sheraton Corp. Locally he was President of the Central FL Hotel Assoc and voted by his global peers, "International Hotelier of Year". Larry retired as senior VP of Sheraton. He went on to run his own hotel & restaurant company and then mentored other entrepreneurs in a wide range of startup business opportunities. He rarely talked about himself but lifted up those around him. Larry had a deep faith in God, love of country, family & athletics. He leaves behind his wife of 32 years, Margaret Jan (Riley), sons Larry Kyle Walker, Jr and Kai Richardson Walker. Larry, known as "Big Walk" by friends, "Mr Walker" by employees and "Big Daddy" by his 5 grands. The Presidents and heads of state he met with, the awards Larry received, the local & national non-profit boards on which he served and lives he changed with his uplifting encouragement are too many to list here. In lieu of flowers or anything else, please make a monetary gift to Valencia College Foundation, Larry K Walker Scholarship Fund, PO Box 3028, Orlando FL 32802 or go to www.Valencia.org to dedicate a contribution. He was very proud of what Valencia does for its students and always wanted to help them with a scholarship.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Orlando Sentinel from Oct. 6 to Oct. 7, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
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Chris and Michael kirchner

January 28, 2021

We were so sad to hear of Larry´s death.What a wonderful husband and friend.Our prayers are with your family

Ed Brown

January 26, 2021

My father was Larry's campaign manager when he ran for Orange County, California, Clerk against Bill St. John. This was in the 1960's before Larry's employment by Sheraton.

Thankfully Larry did not win the election, because he was destined for greater things.

The friendship between my dad, Charlie Brown, and Larry endured until my dad's passing in 2006.

Larry was a great friend, and continued to stay in contact, always wanting to know how our family was getting along, and truly concerned for our well being.

God rest his soul, he was truly a blessing to us all.

Shelley Pynn

October 15, 2020

What a blessing it has been to have Larry, his smile and the twinkle in his eye in our life. Prayers to the Walker family.

Jeannette Sieland

October 13, 2020

The Korean War Veterans Association Department of Florida and Chapter 173 Casselberry send our belated yet sincerest sympathies on the passing of our Brother In Arms Larry K. Walker, Sr. (US Marine Corps).
He served his country and honorably.
May he Rest In Peace.

Louis Robbins

October 9, 2020

My deepest sympathy for the Walker family. I have known Larry for over 25 years through the Hotel Association. Larry was a past President. I have crossed paths with him through the Valencia Foundation, CFHLA, and Newgate Capital. He was a wonderful person and always gave great advice. Although I sometimes only saw him once or twice a year, his smile and attitude towards life were always contagious. Larry made a difference and I thank him for his friendship.

Ralph and Jane Bender

October 8, 2020

We are so sad that Larry is no longer with us. We have thought about him often and regret that we have not seen him recently. He was such a great guy, always thinking of others, included us in exciting events with my Gators! and always genuinely interested in what was going on in our lives. We will be thinking of you Jan and remembering Larry with great fondness.

Francisco

October 8, 2020

RIP my old friend. May your family find comfort in the lord JESUS CHRIST.

Donald Orth

October 8, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Brad Pierce

October 7, 2020

Larry was a truly great person and an amazing supporter of the community. His passion and love for helping others shined in everything he accomplished. Larry was always someone whom I admired and respected greatly. I always looked forward to seeing him and knew I'd be greeted with a warm smile and meaningful dialog. He will be missed, but the spirit of the life he lived will continue on through the lessons he provided to so many. Larry made the world a better place and is an example to us all of a life lived with purpose and passion.

Michael and Chris Kirchner

October 7, 2020

Enjoyed his company throughout the years especially at WPRC.He will be missed.

Steve and Sharon Bozarth

October 7, 2020

We share our sadness with Jan and their family as we remember our great neighbor and friend.

Pegge Stickel

October 7, 2020

My deepest condolences, Jan. Larry always brightened the room and he will be dearly missed. Love and prayers.

Elliott Winit

October 7, 2020

My condolences to Jan and his sons and their families. Larry and I met in 1976 when I interviewed for a job with Sheraton Hotels. We had a great working relationship during our years at Sheraton and remained personal friends after we both left the company. He was a great mentor and friend over the years and helped many people in their careers. His enthusiasm and sincerity will be missed by many. RIP Friend!

CISCO

October 7, 2020

RIP my old friend.

Bill Donegan

October 7, 2020

Will miss my long-time tennis partner. I was blessed to know him and call him my friend.

Jerry E Pierce

October 7, 2020

Condolences and sympathy to Jan and family. Larry will be missed by all and was a great contributor to Central Florida and Valencia CC.

Donald "Dee" Orth

October 7, 2020

Great influence & mentor

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