Henry Walker Obituary

Henry Moloney Walker Charleston - Henry Moloney Walker, 94, of James Island, and a WWII Veteran and Charleston Air Force Base retiree, passed away on Wednesday, March 07, 2018, at Savannah Place Assisted Living Facility. Henry was born on September 1, 1923, to the late James Leon Walker and the late Catherine Leonard Walker and was a native Charlestonian. He was born at home in the city and graduated Mitchell Elementary and Charleston High School. In his youth, Henry worked at various business establishments such as Condon's Bakery (later Claussens), Pastime Amusement Company (theaters) and Read Brothers Department Store. He was a city paper carrier for the Charleston News and Courier and for a short time sold doughnuts door to door. Just prior to WWII, Henry left high school in his senior year to work at the Charleston Naval Shipyard and completed high school at night. Immediately upon graduation in 1942, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he served in various locations and attained the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged in 1946. He returned to the shipyard and later transferred to the Charleston Air Force Base which had just recently been established. He retired from the Air Force Base as a Supervisory Supply Systems Analyst after 30 years of government service. Henry was an energetic, active and fun loving person who loved to meet and be around people. He had a quick wit and was never at a loss to make a humorous comment and he could always be counted on to poke good natured fun at just about any and everybody he met. He was a wonderful cook and an accomplished gardener. Regardless of the season, his yard and flower gardens were always on display. When not working in his yard he loved to occasionally visit the downtown restaurants where he enjoyed meeting visitors to the city and entertaining them with stories of Charleston and of growing up in the city. He had numerous friends in the hospitality industry, many whom he considered extended family. It was really a unique and fun treat to accompany him downtown to meet and socialize with his many friends. He was a member of the American Legion and a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. At the time of his death he was the longest serving member of the Charleston Elks Lodge, with over 70 years of service. Henry is survived by one brother, Russell Walker (Pat) of Charleston and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Henry was predeceased by five sisters, Marguerite Way (Dennis), Dorothy Walker, Mary Walker, Helen "Betty" O'Connor (Bob), and Gloria Moorhead and four brothers, John Walker (Laura), Bernard Walker (Geneva), Lawrence Walker, and James Walker (Irene). Henry was a loving, loyal, compassionate, and fun son, brother, uncle, and friend and will be missed by many. The family would like to thank his faithful caregivers, Mrs. Virginia Simmons, Miss Patria Horlback, Mrs. Marcia Fields, and Mrs. Bridget Singleton for their compassionate and professional care, along with the entire staff of Savannah Place Assisted Living Facility, since those deserving special recognition are too numerous to mention. We would also like to thank his many friends who visited or extended other acts of kindness. A Celebration of Life service will be at 12:30PM on Monday, March 12, 2018, at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, James Island. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at 11:30 AM. Burial will follow the service at Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made in Henry's memory to your favorite charity. Condolences may be viewed or submitted online at www.mcalister-smith.com. Arrangements entrusted to McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, JAMES ISLAND CHAPEL, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412, Phone: 843-614-8494. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston