John W. ("Jack") Walker

John W. "Jack" Walker, a retired research archaeologist with the National Park Service died at home in Tallahassee, Florida on Sunday, December 15, 2019 after a brief illness.  He was 91 years old.

Jack graduated from Rutherfordton-Spindale Central High School, North Carolina and from Mars Hill Junior College, North Carolina, in 1947.  In 1950, he enlisted in the Navy.  He served at Kodiak Naval Station, in San Francisco, and on the U. S. El Dorado AGC11 until his discharge in July, 1954.

Following his military service, Jack enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  He graduated in July 1956 with a B.A. in Anthropology, majoring in Archaeology.  He completed graduate work in anthropology at the University of Kentucky.  In 1959 he was employed by the National Park Service as a Research Archaeologist.  He retired in 1990.

Jack met and married Virginia Gilmore in June of 1963.  Since June, 1972 they have lived in Tallahassee, Florida.

A visitation is scheduled for Monday, December 23, 2019 from 2-4 p.m. at Culley's Riggins Road Funeral Home.  Burial will take place in North Carolina.

A graveside service will be Saturday, December 28, 2019 at 11:30 AM at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Richard Bass officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM  Saturday, December 28, 2019 at McMahan's Funeral Home.