David Emerson Walker

David, a true “South Tampa native” and life-long resident of 87 years, lost his brave battle with cancer on Saturday night. He was preceded in death by his father, Chancey Emerson Walker; his mother, Dorothy Ann (Daniel) Walker; and his sister Dorothy Virginia (Walker) Dixon. He is survived by his loving bride of sixty-two years, Emily Alice (Ford) Walker of Tampa, FL; daughter Joanna Walker Lobree and her husband Shawn Wade Lobree; and son David Chancey Walker. He was the proud and loving grandfather of Shawn Walker Lobree, Daniel Elias Lobree, and Presley L. Walker. He was beloved by his extended family of in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews, and a treasured friend to all who had the pleasure to know him.

As a boy, David enjoyed a South Tampa/Palma Ceia that was wild and wide open, much different than today. A graduate of Plant High School, class of 1956, he was active in Army Junior ROTC and Captain of the Rifle Team. He was an Expert Marksman; some say the best shot they’d ever seen. He attended the University of Florida before joining the U.S. Air Force Reserve, serving as a Hospital Corpsman from the late 50’s to early 60’s. He married his sweetheart, the beautiful Emily, on March 16, 1963. With that union he gained the large Ford family that were so fundamental in his life. In the 1960s he learned the offset printing trade working for Hillsborough Community College, and later opened his own small printing business and named it Interbay Printing. He enjoyed being his own boss and serving his community for over 30 years – most of those with Emily working by his side.

He was artistic, clever, and creative – and could fashion any unusable item into something of value. He was compassionate, he loved his pets like they were children, and cherished their memories. His sense of humor was contagious – he was fun to be around. He loved cooking for a crowd: especially frying fish; smoking mullet in his smokehouse; catching and boiling blue crabs (then making “Crab Chilau”); and shucking oysters at his backyard table surrounded by friends and family. With two green thumbs, he always had a spring and fall vegetable garden. He loved getting out on the water to fish. He was adventurous and loved nature and the outdoors. A favorite pastime was taking his young family camping at Florida’s many natural springs and state parks.

He had a very special “band of brothers” – a group of friends going back to First Grade at Roosevelt Elementary that stay tight to this day. He personified old Tampa life, he didn’t change – the city changed around him. He mourned the sprawl, especially to the beaches he loved - but he always tried to remember the good times. He loved the simple things in life – he was most content spending time with Emily, his family, and friends. He was humble, hard-working, honest, and down to earth. To his family, he was as good as it gets. We were all lucky to have him in our lives…he added spice, color, and flavor. He was “the real article,” what you saw is what you got. He always had a mischievous twinkle in his eye, and an endless stream of funny sayings. He was loved by everyone that knew him - our hearts may never heal.

Please join us at his “Celebration of Life,” and think of your favorite story to share. We will gather on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Blount & Curry Life Event Center, located at 605 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL, 33609, from 2-5PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Disabled American Veterans, www.dav.org.