Charles H. Walker

Charles H. Walker, 92, passed away peacefully at home in Tallahassee on January 14, 2015. Born on the Fourth of July in 1922, he was the son of Dennis and Kathleen Walker of Fordsville, Kentucky. He lived in Florida for 67 years. Charles is survived by his wife of 70 years, Lois Walker; daughter Ann (Roger) Edwards, Stow, Ohio; daughter Carolyn (Bob) Moss, Eugene, Oregon; son Edwin Walker (Cindy Van Dyk), Coupeville, Washington; seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. A graduate of Carson Newman College and Peabody College, Charles had a distinguished career in Higher Education Administration. Charles served as Registrar at FSU from 1948 to 1960. During that time he was President of the Southern Association of College and University Registrars and helped found the Florida affiliate. In 1960 he became the first Dean of Student Personnel and Registrar at Miami Dade Community College in its inaugural year. While at Miami Dade, he hosted a weekly television show showcasing college activities. After his retirement in 1985, Charles continued his career at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Over the years, Charles was a board member on numerous boards including the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and the Miami-Dade County Federal Credit Union. After returning to Tallahassee, Charles enjoyed working as a Doorkeeper at the Florida Legislature. Charles and Lois have been faithful members of the First Baptist Church, Tallahassee for 34 years. At First Baptist, he served as Chairman of Deacons, Sunday School Superintendent, and Chair of the Sesquicentennial Celebration. Charles was very proud of his service in the US Army Infantry in Germany during World War Two. On returning from the war, he visited the families of his fallen comrades and maintained contact with them for the rest of his life. Charles loved people and spent countless hours visiting friends in nursing homes and hospitals. He was dedicated to and advocated for many older people. His calls, visits and outings greatly enriched their lives. He was a true friend to many people who didn't have loved ones nearby. Charles was also a great storyteller whose stories brought to life his boyhood in rural Kentucky, and his service in the war. Charley loved life and made people smile with his teasing and bestowing of nicknames. Charles was also a big part of his children's and grandchildren's lives, taking many trips with Lois to attend their recitals, plays, and graduations. Charley's legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and all who knew and loved him. Family will receive friends Sunday, January 18, 2:00-3:30 pm, at the Maguire Center of Westminster Oaks, 4449 Meandering Way, Tallahassee, 32308. A memorial service will be held Monday, January 19 at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church, 108 West College Avenue, Tallahassee, 32301 with family receiving friends after the service in the church Welcome Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Boulevard, Tallahassee, 32308. Cully's MeadowWood is handling arrangements.