Norman Grady Walker Jr.

WALKER, Norman Grady Jr. Chaplain (Colonel) US Army aged 88 passed peacefully in his sleep on February 28, 2017 after a brief illness. Norman was born at home in Lucedale MS on December 30, 1928. He was the son of Norman G. Walker Sr. and Annie Havens Walker. He graduated from Lucedale HS in 1946. He received a Bachelor’s Degree from Mississippi College, a Master’s Degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Divinity from The Christian Institute of Denver after studies as Vanderbilt School of Divinity. Further, he was a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years Rosaline Pace Walker of Lena MS, four children and their spouses, Norman G. Walker III and his wife Susan, Stephen L. Walker and his wife LuAnn, Rosaline E. Walker and her husband Charles, David A. Walker and his wife Bonnie. Norman and Rosaline had nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Norman is survived by his brother William D. Walker and wife Mary of Little Rock Arkansas and his Sisters-In-Law Joan Walker and Gail Hilbun. He is predeceased by his mother and father and brothers John L. Walker and Robert H. Walker.

Norman served in the Mississippi National Guard from 1947 - 1952, U.S. Army Reserves in 1961 and the U.S. Army from 1962 – 1986. His military assignments overseas included tours in Vietnam, Korea and multiple tours in Germany. He most enjoyed his service in troop units, notably the 101st Airborne Division, 3rd Infantry Division, 173rd Airborne Brigade and the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. His awards include the Ranger Tab, Parachute Badge, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3), Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, National Defense Service Medal (2), Army Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/V device and OLC, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3), Bronze Star Medal (2), and the Legion of Merit.

Norman also pastored Ludlow Baptist Church (1957-1960), Four Mile Creek Baptist Church (1960-1962) and Farmhaven Baptist Church (1987-1993).

Visitation will be held at Parkway Funeral Home on Friday 3 March 2017 from 5-7 PM. Funeral will be held at First Baptist Church of Madison on Saturday 4 March 2017 at 10 AM. Graveside Ceremony will be held at the Lena Cemetery on Saturday 4 March 2017 at 2 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at alz.org for Alzheimer’s research.