Roger M. Walker Sr.

Roger M. Walker, Sr. was born in 1927 to William Cullen Walker and Sadie Pauline Cargill, in his paternal family home in Ozark, Alabama. He later moved to his maternal family home in Eufaula, Alabama. A few years after his mother died, when he was approximately 15, he and his father returned to Ozark to be taken care of by his granny and loving Aunt Kate. From Ozark, he enlisted in the Navy in 1944, under a special waiver for 17 year-olds. He joined his ship in Chicago, built by the Pullman Railcar Company and the shakedown cruise went so well that they were dispatched directly to the Pacific Theatre for assignment. He served under Admiral Bull Halsey in the 3rd Fleet, performing rescue services, anti-sub picket duty and general fleet duties. After way, at 19, he moved to Evergreen, Alabama, and graduated from high school. While in Evergreen, he met and married (Bonnie) Lanelle Gilmore and they headed off to Troy State. Several years later, his daughter, Bonnie Helen, was born. He then moved to Pensacola, Florida, to work for The Quaker Oats Company, where both his sons, Roger Jr. (Bud) and William David (Bill) were born. He later worked in Mobile, Alabama and then Tallahassee, Florida, where after over thirty years he retired at Sales Account Manager. He loved boating and owned several over the years. He was a lifetime member of the St. Marks Yacht Club, where he served several terms as Commodore. He was a big University of Alabama football fan, until moving to Tallahassee and began rooting for Florida State University, where he was a member lf the alumni association, Booster club, and a season ticket holder for nearly 50 years. His wife of 53 years died in 2001. In 2008, he met Murlene Ward of Port St. Joe online and married a few months later. They lived in Tallahassee for a few years, but eventually moved back to her home in Port St. Joe where he lived out his remaining years in comfort and happiness. He is preceded in death by his wife, Lanelle G. Walker; and grandson, Leon Edward (Chip) Singletary III. He is survived by his wife, Murlene Ward Walker; step-daughter, Sandy Osdborne; children, Bonnie (Leon) Singletary, Roger (Lisa) Walker, Jr. and William D. Walker; grandchildren, Noel (Nate) Cruce, Kristy (Mike) Meadows, BJ Walker, Elisabeth (Clayton) Young, and Melissa Walker; 7 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Roger M. Walker Sr.

March 19, 1927 - December 6, 2022