Martin Wayne Walker

Obituary: Martin W. Walker, 69, of Sanford, NC, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family and was received into the loving embrace of Jesus on Thursday, August 25th, 2011 following a challenging illness for the last two years, which he handled with strength and grace. He was born in Tacoma Park, Maryland on June 4, 1942. "Marty" a true patriot and for the love of country served in Viet Nam as a Warrant Officer, Army Helicopter Medivac Pilot, where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, among other honors. In 1961 he married Betty J. Wright Walker, high school and current sweetheart. They shared a wonderful life together and lived in many locations, among them were Maryland, Texas, Alabama, New Jersey, and North Carolina.He was employed by I.B.M. for thirty-one years, then ten more years at Stanley Works, missing only four days for illness in forty years. Marty enjoyed his membership of twenty years at Shiloh UMC, sharing with the church mission work at many Habitat Homes for Humanity, Hinton Rural Life Center, the Chancel Choir and many other church projects. Marty and son Duke traveled to Guatemala to help build a church in 2007. He and Betty retired four years ago to Sanford, NC, where they became members of Poplar Springs UMC, where he continued to sing with their choir. Marty's life was spent loving and enjoying his family. He used his skills as a woodworker to bring Betty's visions to life. That enhanced everything from elementary school performances to making huge banners for the high school soccer team. Making and hauling unique furniture to dorm rooms and seminary rooms was a hoot for him. To be involved and close to his children's lives and their friends, was his total joy. He loved his grand daughter, eight month old Milli Jean, who brought him enormous pleasure.Marty is survived by his wife Betty, his son Rev. Duke Walker and wife, Denise, his daughter Marti Jean Fagan and husband, Jakie and granddaughter, little Milli Jean. He is also survived by his mother Pauline Walker, along with his brothers, Paul Walker and wife, Nita and Russell Walker and wife, Dianne. He was preceded in death by his father Charles E. Walker, and two brothers, "Bud" and Jerry Walker.The family would like to express their extreme gratitude to First Health and Liberty Hospice of Sanford, for their unforgettable kindness and caring for Marty during the past two years. A Memorial Service, honoring Marty's Life of Love and Service to others will be held at Shiloh UMC, 4149 Odell School Road, Concord, NC, on Saturday, September 10th at 2:00 p.m.The family requests in lieu of flowers, Memorials can be sent to: Poplar Springs United Methodist Church, 1809 Poplar Springs Church Rd., Sanford, NC 27330. Online condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com .
Visitation: after memorial service at the church

Service: A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, September 10th at Shiloh United Methodist Church, Concord

Interment: private