Thomas Irby Walker, 79, beloved husband of Norvelle Plowden Walker, died at his home in Summerton, February 5, 2009. Born in Summerton, August 24, 1929, he was the son of Claude Townes Walker and Norma Wilkins Walker of Summerton. His paternal grandparents were Thomas Irby Walker and Alice Ezell Walker of Summerton. His maternal grandparents were John Terrill Wilkins and Mary Elizabeth (Smith) Wilkins of Hendersonville, N.C. In addition to his wife of fifty-one years, Mr. Walker is survived by four children: Dr. Maryanne Walker Moore of Atlanta, T.I. Walker, Jr. of Summerton, Charles Nelson Walker (Inger) of Manning, and Elizabeth Walker McCurry (Matt) of Mt. Pleasant. Other survivors include five grandchildren: Matthew Singleton Moore, IV of Atlanta, Alexandria Caroline Walker and Charles Nelson Walker, Jr. of Manning, and Margaret Eleanora McCurry and Lucien Mattison McCurry of Mt. Pleasant. Mr. Walker is also survived by a brother, Claude Townes Walker, Jr. of Summerton, and a number of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters: Elizabeth Walker Garber and Margaret Walker Everett. Mr. Walker graduated from Summerton High School and The Citadel (Class of 1950). He served during the Korean conflict and participated in the Inchon Invasion and the first seven major battles. A member of the 31st Regimental Combat Team, he was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the bronze star with a ‘V’ for valor, the Korean Service medal with seven service stars, and the Sygmon Rhee Presidential Citation. After his service in Korea, he returned to join his brother as a partner in Clarendon Gas Company, a propane and Whirlpool dealership. He retired after forty-six years. Mr. Walker was a member of Julius A. Mood American Legion Post 35, and a 50-year member of the Summerton Masonic Lodge. He was an elder in the Summerton Presbyterian Church and a member of the Fellowship Sunday School class. He was a past president of the Bank of Summerton and served as an advisory member of the NBSC board. He was a past member of the Summerton Lions Club and served as a volunteer fireman for many years. The family will receive visitors from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Rankin Chapel of Summerton Presbyterian Church, 16 Cantey St., on Saturday, February 7. The memorial service will be at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary, with burial to follow in Summerton Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Summerton Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 16 S. Cantey Street, Summerton, SC 29148. Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church Street, Manning, is in charge of arrangements. (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org Tags: 1950
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