Fred Harding Walker, Sr.

Fred Harding Walker, Sr., 93, died Sunday, July 27, 2014 at his residence after a battle with cancer. Mr. Walker was born in Valdosta, Georgia on September 30, 1920 to the late John Arthur and Bessie Walker. Fred graduated from Valdosta High School in 1935 and entered the University of Georgia as a 15 year old freshman. While at the University of Georgia he participated in the Dixie Redcoat Marching Band and the Demosthenian Literary Society. He enlisted in the Naval Reserves V7 program, attending The University of Notre Dame after graduating with his Juris Doctor from UGA in 1942. Later Fred enlisted in the Army and served as a combat engineer under General Patton. At the end of the war, Mr. Walker attended the Nuremburg Trials lecturing to the troops about his observations. After the war, Fred spent four years in Washington, D.C. as the executive assistant to the 8th District Congressman, Don Wheeler. Later Mr. Walker was in the Air Force Reserves and retired as a Lt. Colonel in the Judge Advocate General's Corps.
In 1947, Fred met the love of his life, Waunee Wheeler Walker of Alma, Georgia. They were married on December 2, 1947. In 1952 Fred opened a law office in Valdosta and later formed the Walker & Yancey law firm with his good friend Reuben Yancey. From 1956 – 1966 Mr. Walker served in the Georgia House of Representatives. In 1966 Fred chose not to run for reelection so that he could devote more time to his law practice and family. Later he merged his law practice with the Mosier Law firm and practiced on a limited basis for a few years before fully retiring.
Mr. Walker was a member of the First Christian Church of Valdosta for over 80 years where he served as an Elder and Trustee. Fred was a member of many boards of directors including First State Bank, Salvation Army, Second Harvest Food Bank, Valdosta Country Club and was a past Exalted Ruler of the Valdosta Elks Lodge. He was a member of the Lowndes Historical Society, The Shriners, VFW, The American Legion and The Twelve Old Men. Mr. Walker is remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather, as well as a devoted friend.
Fred is survived by his wife of 67 years, Waunee Walker of Valdosta; one daughter, Linda (Pat) Cullen of Valdosta; two sons, John (Diane) Walker and Fred, Jr. (Beverly) Walker of Valdosta.; five grandchildren, Tom (Nicole) Clifford of Lake Park, Tricia (Kevin) Herring, and Jason Grady of Valdosta, Jennifer (Charles) Peace, and Libby (Sloan) Craft of Hahira, Heather (Daniel) Cummins of Hoover, Alabama; Great grandchildren Ella Rose and Rhett Clifford, Trey and Huntley Herring and Autumn Peace; along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter Wanda Walker Weik.

Services for Fred Harding Walker, Sr., will be held at 11a.m. on Wednesday, July 30, 2014 in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with Rev. Chris Michael officiating. The burial will follow in the Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602