Gaylord Thompson Walker, Jr. went to our Lord and Savior peacefully surrounded by his loving family and friends on August 19, 2014. Gaylord was born in Winston-Salem, NC on September 7, 1935 to Margaret and Gaylord Thompson Walker.
He attended high school at the American School in Paris, France and graduated from R J Reynolds High School in Winston Salem, NC. Gaylord attended Davidson College in Davidson, NC. He served in the Army at the U.S. Army Language School, Presidio of Monterey, CA and U.S. Army Intelligence Center, Fort Holabird, Baltimore, MD. He married the love of his life, Nancy J (Krul) and had 33 wonderful years together.
He is survived by his daughter, Robin; grandchildren, Sarah, David and Ryan; daughter-in-law, Sharon; brother, Joseph; uncle, Norman Fischman; many loved nephews, nieces, great-nieces and nephews and cousins. His “special” sisters were his three sisters-in-law, Christine (Tom) Fischer, Kathy Krul and Judy (Steve) Tkaczyk. His son, Scott, preceded him in death.
Gaylord owned a travel agency in Rye, NY for many years before moving to Jackson. He was Executive Director of Michigan Head Injury Alliance in Brighton. He retired as President of National Fire Safety Council in 2012 after 30 years. He was very involved in the national missing children’s programs and one of his in particular programs, the pictures of missing children on milk cartons. He worked closely with State and Federal agencies on legislation and was invited twice to the White House for signing of bills.
Gaylord loved sports, especially basketball and his favorite, Tarheels of UNC. He was an avid sports enthusiast and coached local basketball grade school kids, supported his nephews and nieces in their numerous sporting events, loved golf, basketball, racquetball and was a member of the YMCA for many years. Gaylord loved to cook, especially for his family, and always fixed his special dressing for Thanksgiving and something spectacular for Christmas. He and Nancy enjoyed their wonderful golf trips and the last few years their winter vacations in Florida. Gaylord was a true, southern gentleman, who had a sharp wit and a kind and generous heart. But most importantly Gaylord believed and loved the Lord. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Funeral Service for Gaylord will take place on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at 11 AM at the Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church with Pastor Earl Habecker officiating. Cremation will follow the Funeral Service. The family will receive family and friends at Desnoyer Funeral Home on Friday from 3-8 PM and at the Church on Saturday from 10-11 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Interfaith Shelter, YMCA youth programs, the Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church, or to a charity of your choice.
A special thank you to Pastor Earl Habecker for his caring ways and support to both Gaylord and Nancy and to Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church for their prayers and support. A Sincere gratitude to Allegiance Carelink for their care and compassion.
To send condolences to the family go online to www.desnoyerfuneralhome.com Desnoyer Funeral Home Family owned for 124 years