COLUMBIA Funeral service for John Thomas Walker Jr., 87, will be held at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at Bethel United Methodist Church. Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Easley. The family will receive friends at the church immediately following the funeral service. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.
Tom died Friday, January 16, 2015. Born in Manning, he was a son of the late John Thomas Walker Sr. and Mamie Ward Walker. He graduated from Clemson University in 1949 with a B.S. degree in Agriculture. He retired as Chief of the USDA Farmers Home Administration Program for South Carolina. Tom served on the board of the S.C. Rural Rehabilitation Corporation from the mid 1980’s until 2007, holding the offices of President, Secretary and Treasurer. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1946 and served in the Naval Reserves until 1960. In 1976, he was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the National Future Farmers of America. In 1984, he received the Honorary State Farmer Degree from the S.C. Future Farmers. He received the Order of the Palmetto from Governor Dick Riley in 1986. An active member of Bethel United Methodist Church for almost 50 years, he served in numerous leadership positions and held several offices. He was previously active in the Jaycees and was a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America.
He enjoyed gardening and took pride in maintaining his yard. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid reader. He was a proud supporter and fan of Clemson football.
Surviving are his wife, Sarah Amanda Bush Walker; daughter, Sarah W. Twork (Mark) of Augusta, Ga.; daughter-in-law, Anne G. Walker of Ridgeland; six grandchildren, Samara W. Rozier (Bill) of Lexington, Heather W. Bowers (Will) of Irmo, Claire W. Wimmer (Luke) of Belton, Texas, Sarah W. Brock (Mike) of Bluffton, Whitney T. Hair (Jon) of Evans, Ga., Courtney E. Twork of Augusta, Ga.; 12 great-grandchildren, Hannahmarie Rozier, Jacob R. Rozier, Reagan N. Rozier, Megan A. Rozier, Walker D. Bowers, Chancellor R. Horry, Georgia A. Horry, Payton A. Brock, Michael L. Brock Jr., Anslee E. Hair, Ayden E. Hair, Owen E. Hair; brother, Raymond A. Walker (Thelma) of Sumter; sister, Lily W. Richardson (Jack) of Apex, N.C.; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, John Thomas “Tommy” Walker III.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, 4600 Daniel Drive, Columbia, SC 29206 or Clemson Agricultural Scholarship Fund, 244 McAdams Hall, Box 340310, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634.
Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
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