Harry W. Walker, 90 years, of Orange Park, Fl., passed away on Tuesday, January 19th, 2021 at the Naval Air Station Jacksonville Hospital from covid19. Harry was born on June 15, 1930 to William Henry Walker and Mary Jane Taylor. He graduated from Wilkinsburg High School in Pittsburg, PA. Surviving is his wife, Darlene Walker of Orange Park, FL; Harry is preceded in death by his son’s Dale and Ray Walker. He is survived by son Wayne (Cheryl) Walker. Daughter-in-laws Emily Walker and Julie Walker. Grandchildren: Jason (Brianna) Walker, Chris Walker, Zachery Walker, Wyatt Walker and Kimberly Walker. Great Grandson: Jayden Walker. Harry enjoyed the family dogs Lucky Star and Bingo (deceased) and Lea, Cooper, and Jessie. Harry enlisted in the United States Navy, August 1948, where he entered Flight Training at Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL, August 1949, after graduating Flight Training: designated a Naval Aviator and was commissioned as an Ensign, USNR, July 1951. Harry reported to VS 931 at NAS Los Alamitos, CA, and deployed April – Dec 1952 to the Korean Area. In June 1953 he was released to Inactive Duty, 1953-1956 and was employed by Northrop Aircraft Corp – United Airlines. Harry then returned to Active Duty as a Flight Instructor at NAS Corry Field in May 1956. Later, in October 1959 he reported to VW 14 at Barbers Point, Hawaii; then in January 1962 he reported to the University of So. Cal. for Aviation Safety Training. March 1962 he reported to NAS Seattle as Aviation Safety Officer. Harry headed to NAS Jacksonville in August 1968 (where he then called home) as the Special Assistant to Commanding Officer. In June 1971 Harry retired as a Commander from his beloved U.S. Navy. Harry continued his higher-level learning in September 1972 at the University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL as a member of the Charter Class with BBA and MBA degrees.
Family will receive friends 5-7 PM on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL. Graveside Services will be held 10 AM, Friday, February 5, 2021 at Magnolia Cemetery, 1040 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL with full military honors. Please post words of comfort at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com.