Captain (Ret) Grant Joseph Walker, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 23, 2021. Grant was born in Ramey, PA to the late Grant Joel Walker and Cecilia Knappage Walker, on December 16, 1925. Grant was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Jane Scoles Walker; second wife, Dorothy Guyton Walker and brother, Walter Walker.
Grant’s strong sense of values and his emphasis on family has left a lasting impact on us all. He was survived by 4 daughters, Michele Jordan (Jay), Lori Poythress (Gary), Kate Swink (Don) and Maggie Combs (Joey); sisters, Virginia Waterloo and Marge Harrington; stepson, David Guyton (Ines); stepdaughter, Laura Guyton; 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-granddaughter and close friend, Fran Morris.
Grant had a successful career serving in the U.S. Navy for 33 years and retired in 1976. He attended Pennsylvania State University, Georgia Tech, and Columbia University. He instructed at the CIC Officers School in Glenview, IL and at the U.S. Navy War College in Newport, RI. He served aboard the USS Chandeuler (AV-10), USS Rockingham (APA-229), USS Yosemite (AD-19), USS Newport News (CA-148), USS Cecil (DRR-835), and served as the commanding officer of the USS Joseph K. Taussig (DE-1030), USS Waddell (DDG-24) and the USS Coronado (LPD-11). His final tour was Commanding Officer, SURFLANT, Inactive Ships, Norfolk, VA .
Grant will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and his church family at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church. He was an active member and attended St. Andrew’s for over 50 years. He served in leadership positions, sang in the choir, and was a life member of the United Methodist Men.
Grant was also a proud member of Osceola Lodge #515 Free and Accepted Masons of PA.
Grant’s legacy of love, loyalty, and laughter will live on through all who knew and loved him.
A viewing will be held at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, 4889 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach on Wednesday, January 27, 2021, from 5-7:30pm. Due to Covid restrictions, a Celebration of Grant’s Life will take place this summer.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Andrews United Methodist Church, 717 Tucson Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. Please visit www.SmithAndWilliamsKempsville.com to leave a message of condolence for the family.
