Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
2001 Columbus Ave
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-625-8816
Website: http://www.toftfh.com
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George Walker, Jr., 88, Sandusky, departed into eternal life on Sunday, July 31, 2011 with his family by his side in Stein Hospice Care Center, after a short and courageous battle with cancer.
George, affectionately known as the man who walked throughout the city with his can, was born on December 23, 1922 in Sandusky to Julia Anthony and George Walker, Sr.
He attended Sandusky High School until his senior year, when he joined the United States Navy in 1942, after Eleanor Roosevelt insisted that blacks be admitted equally into the armed forces. George received an honorable discharge as a Carpenter’s Mate, Third Class, V-6. Upon returning home from military service, he worked for Diamond Fertilizer, Waldock Packing Co, Norwalk Foundry, GNC Foundry, Standard Products, and retired from Lorain Ford Motor Co. in 1986 after 13 years of service.
He married his beloved wife, Beatrice (Lake) Walker on May 23, 1946, and they remained married for 51 years when God called her home. George was a member of E. Parish St. Church of Christ, and was baptized and added to the body of Christ on April 25, 2010 under the pastorate of Minister Jeff Sherman.
George’s life was a direct reflection of his walk with Christ, demonstrated in his walk throughout the community. George, a lifelong Searsville resident of more than 50 years, enjoyed his daily routine walk to the Veterans’ home where he volunteered serving his fellow veterans. George received many accolades and awards in his life, including the 2010 Excellence Award from Perkins High School Confederation for the Betterment of Black Students; consecutive OVH Certificate of Appreciation awards for outstanding service, deep commitment and outstanding devotion as a volunteer for the Veterans’ from 2003 – 2010; the U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award for consecutive years 2004 -2009. In addition, he received numerous acknowledgments for his volunteer work from our country’s highest office, the President of the United States of America, with letters from four presidents, George H.W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George W. Bush, and most recently in July 2011 from President Barack H. Obama, that was read to him by his granddaughter, Charmeka, at his bedside.
George is survived by his two children, Allen (Henrine) Walker, and Theresa (Bruce Allison, W. Palm Beach, FL) Moore, both of Sandusky; special sisters-in-law, Mary Breazeale, Winston-Salem,NC, Josephine Simmons, Virginia Beach, VA; seven grandchildren, Kevin (Theata) Tennon, Delynn Jenkins, Franshawn Jenkins, JaQuan Walker, Brittany Walker, Charmeka Walker, David Walker; thirteen great-grandchildren, LaKenna Tennon, LaKisha Tennon, De’ja Tennon, Sena Tennon, Bruce Kendall, Kayin Tennon, Syenne Jenkins, Tyren Givens, Lashawna Givens, Micah McLaughlin, ZiOnna Walker, Anthony Redding, Jr., Viera Walker; one great-great-grandchild, Kalyn Tennon; special daughter, Emma (Angel) Guevara; special brother, Sonny Payne; special niece and nephew, Thomasine (Willie James) Williams; special son-in-law, Wayne (Vanessa) Moore; three special grandchildren, Lenora (Lynn) Caston, Anna (Rea) Johnson, and Danisha Moore; very special and dear friend, Bennie Rollison; cousin, Beatrice Likes, Akron, OH; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, fellow veterans, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice (Lake) Walker; son, Cecil Tennon; parents, Julia Anthony and George Walker, Sr.; two brothers, Henry Pate, Sr., and Sylvester Jackson; five sisters, Ruth Fulks, Jewel Young, Suzie Pate, Bernice Pate, and Mabel Pate; granddaughter, Teresa Tennon Harrison; great-granddaughter, Angel Lambert Tennon.
Family will receive friends on Monday, August 8, 2011 at the East Parish Street Church of Christ, 1219 E. Parish St., Sandusky from 7-9 PM. Friends may also call on Tuesday from 10 A.M. until time of Home Going Services at 1PM in the Ohio Veterans Home Giffin Chapel, 3416 Columbus Ave., Sandusky. Brother Jeff Sherman will officiate. Burial will be in Perkins Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Stein Hospice Service, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky. Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky is handling arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.toftfh.com.
