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Philip Walker Obituary

Philip Scott Walker CHESAPEAKE - The Honorable Philip Scott Walker, retired, of 3200 block of Duquesne Drive, passed away peacefully at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009. Philip, as he was known in the community, resided more than 70 years in Newport News and Hampton. Attorney Walker was the son of the late Attorney William R. Walker Sr. and Letetia F. Walker. He was predeceased in death by his wife of 50 years of marriage, Lutetia Holloway Walker; one sister, Mary Louise Smith; five brothers, William R. Walker Jr., Thomas F. Walker, Wendell R. Walker, Walter T. Walker, and James L. Walker. He received his early education at the original John Marshall School and Huntington High School from which he graduated with honors. He completed his undergraduate degree at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Va., from which he graduated with honors. He furthered his education at Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C., where he received his law degree. In 1951, he entered into law practice with his father and brother, Attorney W.R. Walker, and later he organized the law firm of Walker, Smith, Felton, and Scott and continued in practice for a period of more than 38 years. During his career, Attorney Walker became one of the first African American judges to be appointed in Hampton. Mr. Walker was also a member of the legal staff of the Virginia Conference of the NAACP and as such participated in law cases bringing about desegregation of the Newport News City Public Schools, Newport News Ship Building Drydock Company, and the Riverside Hospital. During his legal career he was a member of five prestigious bar associations, as well as the Statewide Organization of African American Lawyers, of which he was state president. In 1990, he received the Traditional of Excellence Award. He was also selected as a fellow of the Virginia Law Foundation. Attorney Walker was a community activist, and he served on the boards or as a member of following community organizations: president of the United Way of the Peninsula, chairman of the Hampton Alumni chapter of the United Negro College Fund, chairman of the advisory board of the corps of the Salvation Army, city of Hampton as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals, Board of Correction of State of Virginia appointment by L. Douglas Wilder, Beta Lambda Chapter of the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, past Basileus of the Alpha Alpha Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, lifetime member of the NAACP, Hampton Roads Boys' Club, Heritage Council of the Girl Scouts, Newport News and Hampton Branch of the NAACP Judicial Circuit Legal Aid Society, Peninsula Legal Aid Society, Institute of Community Health, Peninsula Chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews. He also received the Freedom Fighters Award from the Hampton Branch NAACP. In 1994, he was honored with joint resolution accommodation by the General Assembly of Virginia for commitment to the voting rights for leadership and overcoming barriers to participation in the democratic process. He received an award of recognition for black history from St. Mark United Church of Christ in 2009 for outstanding service in the Hampton and Newport News communities. He was a lifetime member of Carver Memorial Presbyterian Church in Newport News, where served as a church elder and trustee. Philip is survived by four nephews, Deacon Edward L. Johnson (Verline) of Chesapeake, Ambassador Howard K. Walker, retired, (Terry) of Chevy Chase, Md., Ronald R. Walker (Diane) of the Virgin Islands, and Jay M. Holloway of South Riding, Va.; two nieces, Elsie Walker of New Orleans, La., and Vickie Rogers (James) of Norfolk; one sister-in-law, Loretta Walker of New York, N.Y.; two brothers-in-law, Hurley M. Holloway (Shirley) and Menaclus L. Holloway of Norfolk; a host of great nieces and nephews and extended family. Uncle Phil will truly be missed by his family and friends. A wake will be held Thursday, Dec. 10, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Carver Memorial Presbyterian Church, 830 25th St., Newport News. A homegoing service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the church where Pastor Lawrence Willis will officiate. His remains will lie in state at 10 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Norfolk. Hale Funeral Home is handling arrangements. www. halefuneralhome.com.

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

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Dec. 9, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip Walker

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Geofr Walker

December 26, 2009

Good bye Uncle Phil. Thank you for being such a good brother to my father and brother in law to my mother. You will always be remembered in our prayers and hearts.

Janet Lewis

December 16, 2009

It was with heartfelt sadness that I learned of Mr. Walker's passing. I had no friend whose wisdom and kindness meant more to me. I shall miss him so very much and extend my deepest sympathy to his family.

elsie walker

December 11, 2009

Good bye Uncle Phil. We will all miss you and one day when our time comes we will see you again. Love always, Bunny

Verline McNeal-Johnson

December 10, 2009

Uncle Phil was my Hero. I will miss all the chats we had about your career and what you did to make a difference in life for so many people. "Job Well DOne" , for all the hard work, dedication, love, that you showed to everyone who came in contact with you. God Bless you and take your rest, You are in God's hand.

Robin Welch

December 10, 2009

Mr. Walker was a true gentleman who I enjoyed working with in the Newport News Circuit Court. He was one of the nicest people I ever met. Newport News has lost a wonderful man who truly loved his fellow man and did all he could to help anyone who had a need. He will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Beulah Davis, Riverside Hospice

December 10, 2009

I met the Honorable Philip Walker when his wife was ill and he was such a devoted husband to her. While tending to his wife, he remained pleasant and appreciative. I admired this fine gentleman.
Edward and Verline,
You were right there when Mrs. Walker was gravely ill and helped Mr. Walker when he needed you the most. Thanks.
Be encouraged and blessed.

December 10, 2009

My deepest condolences to the Philip S. Walker family. Working for the law firm was my very first career job which was a good and sound foundation. Judge Walker will be sorely missed by his peers and community. May he rest in peace. God be with the family at this time of lost.

Paula McGowan and Family

Sharon Horne

December 10, 2009

Mr. Walker was indeed a humble man who led his life as a beacon for all to cherish him in memory.

I am proud that I had the opportunity of working with Mr. Walker in the mid-eighties as an Administrative Assistant to deceased Archie Felton.

Mr. Walker’s distinguished personality was a blessing and an example for all mankind.

He lived his life that was evident led by God blessings, based upon the numerous honorable achievements shared by all that knew him.

Sherri Warren

December 10, 2009

It has been a honor to know and love such a wonderful man. I am glad that my children had the opportunity to meet such a wonderful man in thier life time.

Uncle Phil you will be missed. You have faught a good fight and your works speak for you.

Take your rest and be with your beloved wife. Mom( Verline) and Dad (Edward) will miss you.

Jackie T. Snow

December 9, 2009

God Bless You All!

I was privileged to meet/know Atty Walker per Atty Al Smith in the mid-eighties as Adminstrative Secretary for Atty Smith.

Atty Walker was humble, serious about his work, sincerely interested, kind and brilliant with people. He was always professional and fair to all!

He left a permanant positive imprint in my life that will be treasured and shared with others.

God Bless His Memory. He lives on through me and others who's life he has impacted!

December 9, 2009

Judge Walker was one of the finest jurist that I had the privilege to practice before for many years. He treated everyone with respect, fairness and dignity and he was a man of great character. His contributions to our community have helped many to lead better lives and become productive citizens. His wise counsel will be missed but not forgotten. God Bless you Judge Walker. Jerry Franklin

Jerry Franklin

December 9, 2009

Judge Walker was one of the finest jurist that I had the privilege to practice before for many years. He treated everyone with respect, fairness and dignity and he was a man of great character. His contributions to our community have helped many to lead better lives and become productive citizens. His wise counsel will be missed but not forgotten. God Bless you Judge Walker. Jerry Franklin

John E. Robins, Jr.

December 9, 2009

Phillip Walker was fine a gentleman as I have ever met, both as a lawyer and as a member of the community. He always had a kind word and a warm smile for me, and, although I rarely saw him of late, I will miss him greatly

Alexander Nicol

December 9, 2009

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
I remember. Mr.Walker when I was a young automobile salesperson
in the early 1950.'

Yvette Akbar

December 9, 2009

Our hearts go out to the family of Philip S. Walker. You have our deepest sympathy. I will surely miss seeing him sitting in front of me at church.

Cynthia Brown

December 9, 2009

Bunny,
My prayers are with you and your family during this celebration for such a wonderful person. My prayer is that his legacy and labor will live on in the hearts and minds of those whose futures have been touched by his acts of courage and kindness. May God be with you all during this time.

Rex Davis

December 9, 2009

It is with great sadness but fond memories that I read of the passing of the Honorable Philip S. Walker. Lawyer Walker was the very first attorney I met when I began my career in the Newport News Circuit Court Clerk's Office on February 5, 1971.
Over the years I had the privilege of dealing with Lawyer Walker on literally hundreds of occasions and there wasn't a time that he was not prepared, polite, courteous and thoroughly professional.
He was a true gentleman, a credit to the legal profession and a role model for the youth of our community.
Lawyer Walker was also an influential force during some tumultuous times on the peninsula and one of his legacies will be his advocacy for patience and understanding so long as it came with positive and continued progress.
Both the local legal profession and our community at large are immeasurably better off for Lawyer Walker having passed our way.

Sabrina Furman

December 9, 2009

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Vickie Holloway Rogers

December 9, 2009

To the Walker and Holloway Families,
Uncle Phil was a great man, indeed, and will be missed terribly. My prayers will continue for your strength and comfort. Thanks cousin Ed for all you have done for Uncle Phil.
Much Love, Vickie

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