Leroy Walker, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend, fought a great and noble fight until the end. He was born to the late Sidney Walker and the late Daisy Harris Walker in Blythe, Georgia, in the outskirt of Augusta, in 1927. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Hattie Ann Walker, his son Leroy Walker, Jr. (at age 7). He spent the majority of his life in Miami, Florida, where he married Hattie Ann Harris and remained a devoted husband to her for almost seventy years. He was a caring and loving father to their children.
Leroy trusted in Jesus and joined Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church in Miami, Florida, on February 24, 1953. At Mt. Carmel, he was admired for his devoted service and dedication. He was a member of the usher board, and sang in the choir. He was also a diligent worker outside of his church. He would frequently visit the sick and shut-in members of his church family to let them know that he cared about them. Even after his health deteriorated, he received great joy from visiting church with his daughters, listening to spiritual music, and singing along with the songs.
Leroy loved people, and people loved him. Everyone who met him had positive and complimentary things to say about him. They loved him because he was forthright, a devoted family man, he helped others, was strong, and a Christian who practiced what he believed.
Leroy was a strong man, both literally and figuratively. He worked at Flagler Elementary School. He was the first African-American appointed as Head Custodian in Dade County, Florida, despite the fact that he had only a fourth-grade education. He was a beloved fixture at the school until his retirement. As the book of Colossians commanded, Leroy worked as if he were working for the Lord. He worked extra hours to ensure that his family had the resources to excel in their educational endeavors. He instilled in his children to never give up.
Leroy continued to work after his retirement and faithfully cared for his wife when her health failed. In 2011, he and his wife, Hattie, relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, to be closer to their surviving daughters, Dr. Dolores Walker Mathis and Dr. Janice Yvonne Walker.
On the morning of December 20, 2020, Leroy departed this life and answered the call to eternal rest. As we celebrate his homegoing, we grieve the void that his absence will create. The family takes comfort in the realization that even though he grew up during the depression, overcame many challenges, transitioned during a global pandemic, he lived his life span of 93 years as an amazingly loving, charitable, and selfless human being. Leroy’s life was one of purpose that touched many. We pray that the Lord is pleased with his work and embraces his return home with the expressed recognition of a job well done. In the words of the second chapter of the book of Timothy, Leroy fought the good fight; he has finished the race; he has kept the faith.
We look forward to seeing him again one day, wearing the crown of righteousness, which the Lord will award him and all who have longed for the Lord’s appearing.
He is survived by his devoted daughters, Dr. Dolores Walker Mathis and Dr. Janice Yvonne Walker; his granddaughter The Honorable Njeri Mathis Rutledge (Will Rutledge); great-granddaughter Hailey Grace Rutledge; a brother Michael Robinson; a sister Barbara Segar Morgan (Thomas Morgan); nephews Anthony Green, Michael Green, Rufus “Greg” Brown, Dr. Willie Logan, John Swain, and Henry Parker; nieces Karen Segar, Leslie Segar, Dr. Grovenia Parker and Deborah Jones; Goddaughter Quanisha Brown; special friends Alex and Mary Gaines and a host of other cousins, great nieces, great nephews, nieces, nephews and close friends. He also accepted and treated Dr. Karen Briggs and Barbara Jean Joseph Lewis as his daughters.
Preceding him in death are his parents Sidney Walker, Jr. and Daisy Harris Walker; wife Hattie Ann Walker; son Leroy Walker, Jr.; brothers Dave Robinson, Horace “Boot” Robinson, Johnny Robinson; sisters Carrie Mae Williams, Rosalee Walker, and Martha Walker.
Leroy’s life was a life well-lived for over 93 years, and his family is eternally grateful for the time they had together. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
Funeral Service will be available for viewing on Live Stream on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 on Facebook Live Stream at 11:00 a.m.
Facebook page: Lewis-Wright FD
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