Raymond Walker Sr.

Deacon Raymond Walker Sr. 92, was born on June 16, 1931, to the late Clemon and Bertha Walker (Lewis) in Swansea, South Carolina. His official birthday was recorded erroneously by the county as June 26, 1931. Given his big personality, it is only fitting that he celebrated two birthdays annually. He married the love of his life Annie Belle Gleaton on April 24, 1954 in Lexington County, SC, and continued to have a strong marriage for 70 years. Their union was blessed to have 3 amazing children. He accepted Jesus Christ as his savior early on and became a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Swansea, SC where he was baptized. He joined Calvary Baptist Church as a member when he and his family settled in Plainfield, NJ, and finally, became a devout member and Deacon Emeritus of Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church/House of Hope when he settled in Decatur, GA. He remained a dedicated member there for over 50 years. Raymond received his Electrician Certification in Denmark, South Carolina in 1956 after serving in the Army where he received the GI Bill. In 1971 Raymond was hired at Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill, NJ. He returned to school and received his GED in 1972. While working as a chemist for Bell Labs, Raymond developed a US Patent for a fire-retardant, water-resistant, and coating transmission material. The material was used to protect phone wires, which helped save many lives. The material allowed people to call for help in the event of a fire. He was transferred to Decatur, GA in 1972. Bell Labs became AT&T and Raymond retired from AT&T in 1998. During his retirement, he returned to his love of farming, with the help of his brothers in Swansea, SC. Together they planted corn, wheat, and other crops and raised cattle. Raymond’s love for people was electric and he would strike-up a conversation in a heartbeat. He enjoyed fellowshipping and sharing ideas. He was deeply dedicated to his family. In 1979 he founded the Walker/Lewis/Felder/Simmons Family Reunion and was the committee President for many years before stepping down. With his hard work and dedication, the family is still gathering together 45 years strong and counting. Since Raymond and Annie Belle moved to Decatur, GA he was a Pillar of the Highland Park Community. He was known for managing the polls around election time. He loved giving advice when it was needed. He could tell you a different story every single day. He had a great sense of humor. He loved to eat with family, travel, and often took his grandchildren along, sharing history andstories that will live with them forever. He wanted to make sure everyone around him was having a good time. In addition to his parents, Raymond was preceded in death by his son, Raymond Walker Jr., his siblings, Clemon C. Walker Jr, Herman Walker, Alfonso Walker, Bernice Walker-Butler, Ernest Walker, Benjamin Walker, Margaret Kazee Williams, one of his grandchildren David Borders, and two great-grandchildren, Ryan Clark and David Javier Borders. Raymond Walker Sr.’s “fantastic” legacy will be cherished by his devoted Wife of 70 years, Annie Belle Walker, Children, Helena D. Oliver, and Ronald Walker, siblings Gladys Ferguson, (Calvin), 12 Grandchildren, 15 Great- Grandchildren, 2 God-Children and host of nieces, nephews, church family

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Raymond Walker Sr.

June 26, 1931 - April 29, 2024