Davis B Walker

Davis Burwell Walker, 95, formerly of Martinsville, passed away, Sunday, September 30, 2018, at The Hermitage in Richmond, Virginia. He was born in Sago, Virginia on December 4, 1922 to George William Walker and Eliza Martin (Martie) Washburn Walker. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by Ina Woodall Walker, his wife of 67 years, three brothers, Joseph Ward Walker, George Washburn Walker, William Burton Walker, and four sisters, Polly Walker Smith, Laurie Walker Cobbs, Oleta Walker Smith and Winifred Walker Mason.

Davis graduated from Callands High School in Callands, Virginia. He was among the first employees of the I. E. DuPont Corporation’s nylon manufacturing facility in Martinsville, Virginia, retiring as a Laboratory Services Supervisor after 42 years.

He proudly served three years in the United States Army Air Force 1126 MP Company in New Guinea and the Philippine Islands during World War II. Davis received the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign medal with three bronze service stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two bronze stars, and the Victory medal. For many years he loved regular reunions held across the United States with his fellow veterans of the 1126 MP Company.

For nearly 70 years, Davis has been an active member of The First Baptist Church of Martinsville and its John R Kirk Bible Class. He was a charter member of the Martinsville Community Recreation Association and was honored by the State of Virginia and the City of Martinsville for his contributions in providing sports facilities and programs for the youth in the community. He coached various teams in the Little League and Jr. Pony League baseball programs.

Davis served on the local chapter of the Highway Safety Commission and helped develop the area’s first defensive driving classes.

Davis loved his family, the Martinsville Bulldogs, the St Louis Cardinals, and his vegetable garden. One of his great pleasures was sharing his just-picked vegetables with neighbors and friends.

He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, William Davis and Deborah Dull Walker of Houston, Texas, John Burwell and Anne Outten Walker of Manakin-Sabot, Virginia; five grandchildren, Cabell Walker Wood (David) and Hadley Walker Black (John) all of Houston, Texas, Whitney Walker Crenshaw (Clarke) of Dallas, Texas, John Curtis Walker (Caroline) of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Davis Wilson Walker of Richmond, Virginia; six great-grandchildren, one sister, Marjorie Walker Belcher, and many loving nieces and nephews.

His family is forever grateful for the care, love, friendship and grace provided to Davis by Mrs. Jeanette Jackson. She brought unique gifts, humor and peace to his life. In addition, the family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at The Hermitage Richmond. Their dedication and support for his well-being has been extraordinary.

The funeral service will be held at on Thursday, October 4, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Martinsville with the Rev. John Fulcher officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Burial Park. The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church an hour before the funeral. .