George William Walker
BRYSON CITY – On the afternoon of September 3, 2010 George William Walker, 87, passed away at St. Joseph Hospital after an extended period of declining health. He was a lifetime resident of Swain County, a logger, and special deputy under Sheriff Bill Lewis.
He was preceded in death by his parents Willie and Amanda Catt Walker, wife Leois Evans Walker, sister Edna Minnie Long and brother Jack Donald Walker.
He is survived by six sons and their wives all of Bryson City Joe and Jessie Mae, Tommy and Lois, Johnny and Cookie, Donnie and Darlene, Ronnie and Susan, and Charles and Kattie. He has 15 grandchildren, 14great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild. Six Sisters Inez Seay of Cherokee, NC Jessie Howard of Bryson City, Lucille Radford of Moorsville, NC Alyne Dixon of Bryson City, Maxine Lambert of Smyrna, GA, and Pauline Markley of Kansas City, MO, one brother Eugene Walker of Phoenix City, Alabama, a Special friend Clara Mae Kirkland of the home, her 10 children and their families.
George was a decorated Veteran of World War II and lifetime member of VFW Post 8013. He fought in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He received the Silver Star for gallantry in action in France. His unit was receiving heavy fire at close range from advancing tank destroyers when he manned the tank machine gun and successfully inflicted heavy casualties upon the enemy, leaving the gun only when wounded in both legs. This action took place at Rittershofen, France. His unit received the Presidential Citation for the gallant action displayed there. He also received 4 Bronze Service Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, Victory Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and a Purple Heart. George loved the people of these mountains and constantly gave of himself to others all the years of his life.
Crisp Funeral Home of Bryson City is handling the arrangements.
Services are to be held at the Funeral Home Tuesday, Sept.7 at 11:00 AM. Pastor Ned Pressley will officiate. There will be a military graveside service at Holly Springs #2 Cemetery on Shepherds Creek in Bryson City.
Pallbearers are: Vincent Walker, James Walker, Ronald Walker Jr., Dewayne Kirkland, John Ledford and Michael Kirkland.
An online register is available at www.crispfuneralhome.org