Herbert Walker

October 27, 1922 - November 6, 2018

Herbert "Herb" Walker, resident of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and formerly of Woodstock, Virginia, knocked on Heaven’s doors Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at the young age of 96. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Sarah Elizabeth Swartz Walker; parents, Carl M. and Lena C. Walker; sister, Catherine W. Shipp; and brother, William D. Walker. He is survived by three siblings, Shirley W. Seal and Elvin C. Walker, both of Woodstock, Virginia and Ralph C. Walker (Eldena) of Silver Springs, Maryland; and three children, Alice W. Hartman (Ben), and Harry W. Walker (Debbie), both of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Doris W. Frazier (Le) of Richmond, Virginia; four grandsons, Scott R. Hartman (Charlotte) of Carmel, Indiana, Chad D. Hartman of Austin, Texas, Shawn C. Walker (Kelcey) of Coalhurst, Canada, and Eric W. Walker(Megan) of Richmond, Virginia. Herb has nine great grandchildren, seven nieces, six nephews, and many great nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles. Herb was an attentive son and brother, a devoted husband, and a supportive and nurturing father, grandfather, and great grandfather. As a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church, he served as council president, secretary, and treasurer, trustee, finance committee chairman, maintenance chairman, Virginia Synod voting member, pastoral search committee, and substitute lawn maintenance volunteer. Herb and Sarah were co-proprietors of Walker’s Cash Store for over 30 years. During these years, he was known as the Bib Overall King of the Valley because he carried bibs sizes two to 64 and always had your size in stock. In addition to the role of co-proprietor, he was the punctual and dependable rural route mail carrier through all types of weather, volunteer snow removal team member, an extensive transportation service provider for anyone in need, and an at-large community volunteer. Regardless of the tasks, Herb was always willing to accommodate. He was a member of the St. Luke Ruritan Club and held the offices of president, secretary, and treasurer and served on various standing committees. During his years of service, he was twice recognized as Ruritan of the Year, as Outstanding Person in Community Service, as Member of the Year, and as Outstanding Citizen of the Year. Herb believed in God and demonstrated his allegiance to his country by enlisting in the U. S. Army and serving in Germany during WW II. He was wounded twice and received two purple hearts. Like other combat veterans, he was recognized throughout the years for his patriotism. He considered his 2015 invitation to be flown to Washington, D. C. for the viewing of the War Memorial Wall (with other veterans, all having a personal guide), a momentous occasion for reflections, stories, hugs, and tears. In the words of J. F. Newton, Herb had a faith to live by, a self fit to live with, and a work fit to live for. Visitation will be held Sunday, November 11 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Valley Funeral Service, 14116 S. Middle Road, Edinburg, Virginia 22824. The service will be held at the funeral home Monday, November 12 at 2 p.m. Interment will follow in Sunset View Memorial Gardens, Woodstock, Virginia 22664. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, or the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.valleyfs.com Arrangements are in the care of Heishman Funeral Service, Inc. and Valley Funeral Service Branch, Bowmans Crossing. Sign the Guest Book at www.nvdaily.com/obituaries