Donald Thomas Walker

Donald Thomas Walker, age 87, of Southport NC, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2023, in his Southport, NC home, surrounded by his devoted family. Don was born on March 12,1936, in Long Branch, New Jersey. He attended high school in Washington DC , as an ROTC cadet commander. He graduated college from Virginia Military Institute in 1958. In 1959, he married Barbara Zimmerman, and they raised their family in Middletown, NJ.

Don worked as Director of Purchasing for both Johnson & Johnson and National Starch & Chemical Corporation. He was an avid NY Giants football fan, enjoyed coaching baseball and being PTA President. Annual family ski trips were a highlight for Don.

In 1999, upon retirement, Don and Barbara moved to St James Plantation in Southport, NC. Golfing with friends, tending to his beautiful gardens, creating unique woodworking pieces, tennis, and boating were among his greatest pleasures. Giving back to his community was a passion for Don. He was active in the Kiwanis Club, St James Fire Department Board, and St James Architectural Control Committee. Don also gave countless hours volunteering for the town of Oak Island on the Sand Dune/Beach Restoration Committee. He also worked as a golf ranger at Carolina National Golf Club in Bolivia, NC. In recent years, Don conceived and operated a popular business known as “ The Watering Can Man”, which provided flower and plant care to local residents who were traveling. Don will be remembered for having an uncanny ability to make friends. He will also be lovingly remembered for his fun-loving sense of humor, so often suddenly appearing in a goofy hat or silly mask.

Don is predeceased by his mother, Alberta Walker Cullinane. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara, of 65 wonderful years, his children, Gary Walker (Diana), Wendi Gaul (Kevin), Glen Walker (Annie), his grandchildren: Heather Dettmann (Dylan), Lindsay Gagyi ( Steven), Bea Walker, Alison Gaul, Kelli Gaul, Ellie Walker and Harrison Walker, as well as his great-grandchildren: Carter and Jack Gagyi, Sophie and Owen Dettmann.

A memorial service and celebration of life will take place at Trinity United Methodist Church, in Southport, NC, on Friday, January 12, 2024 at 1:00pm. Reception will immediately follow in Murrow Hall.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.