In Memory
Charles Walker, Jr.
June 18, 1937 ~ April 3, 2021 (age 83)
Devoted husband, adoring father and grandpa, loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and loyal friend are endeared titles that only scratch the surface of Charles. Mr. Charles Walker, Jr. was born on June 18, 1937 on the Southside of South Bend, Indiana to the union of Charles and Ollie Mae Walker; they preceded him in death. He was the oldest of eight children who grew up in a blue-collar working family and a home deeply enriched in the Word of God and a sincere belief in love of family and others. Charles’ grandmother, the late Fannie Redding Walker, was one of the founders of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, where he was baptized at a very early age.
His formative years in South Bend were that of an average child. He attended church and school and participated in high school athletics. Charles had a strong desire to achieve academically and athletically to position himself to be able to leave South Bend after completing school. He did just that. While in high school he was offered football scholarships from several universities.
He graduated from South Bend Washington High School in 1955 and chose to attend a Historically Black College: Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. There he was blessed to play football under the leadership and coaching from his Uncle, Big Jim Walker, who was the head coach for the University. Charles graduated from Central State in 1961 and departed the campus with three very important things: the girl of his dreams — his wife, Sue Forney Walker, a college degree and a commission in the United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant.
He served seven years in the military during which he and Sue’s three sons were born. Charles and his family had the opportunity to live in Germany and they visited many other foreign countries. During his Tour of Duty he defend our Country in the Vietnam War as a Captain. He was a decorative hero earning the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Silver Star Medal. He decided to leave the military and pursue a civilian life and career.
He accepted a position as a human resource manager with Dow Corning Corporation in Midland, Michigan. Dow Corning is a Fortune 500 company that is the largest silicone producer in the world. This was the beginning of a 34 year relationship which turned out to be a rewarding experience for Charles and his family. His career at Dow Corning was varied in positions and geographical locations. After serving as Human Resource Manager, he branched into business development, marketing management, and sales management. They relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, then to Washington, DC where he was promoted to Director of Military Sales and was responsible for a budget of 50 million dollars.
During his career, he was featured in “Ebony Magazine” and was listed in “Who’s Who in America.” During his tenure at Dow Corning, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Baldwin Wallace University and completed Indiana University’s Executive Management program. In 2002 after 34 years with Dow Corning,
Charles and his wife retired to Florida. During their married life, they have moved 14 times and lived in seven states as well as Germany. They both agreed moving to Florida was the best decision because it allowed Charles and Sue to enjoy one of their loves of playing golf year round. Florida was considered home, and their welcome at Bethlehem Baptist Church made the transition to Florida much easier than any of the previous moves.
Charles was inducted into the Washington High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He was a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He was member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity and served as Sire from 2012 to 2013. In 2018 he was inducted in the Central State University Athletic Hall of Fame. While living in Midland, he served on the local boards of directors of Big Brothers and the United Way. He also served as a board member of Gulf Coast Marine South, an Alternative school, in Venice Florida.
Charles departed this life at age 84 on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at his home surrounded by family.
He is survived by his devoted wife Sue of 62 years; children Derek (Stephanie) Walker, Shaun (Anedra) Walker, Darin (Elvie) Walker, Randall (JoAnn) Walker, Betty Lynn (Maurice) Howard and Kimberly Peake. 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; brother Danny (Patricia) Walker; sisters Ruby Walker, Betty (Frank) Ford, Helen (Eddie) Driver, Connie (Lamarr) Wingo and Barbara (David) Kydd along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Along with his parents, Charles was also was preceded in death by his siblings John L Smith, David Walker, Walter Walker. Charles Walker, Jr. was a born leader and dedicated his life to serving others. Excellence was his expectation and as a result his legacy will live through the many lives he touched
08/30/2023 EJS
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