Dr. Harry Walker

Harry Gordon Walker, M.D., beloved husband, father and friend to many, left this earth to join our heavenly Father surrounded by his family on Sunday, March 4, 2012 at Iredell Memorial Hospital. Helping people was the most rewarding aspect of his long career. Dr. Walker was born November 17, 1924 in Bessemer City, NC to Marshall G. Walker and Nannie C. Walker Martin. He graduated from Bessemer City High School in 1941 and spent one year at Gilford College in pre-med. He entered the U.S. Navy and was sent to the University of Virginia for two years. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. He completed two years at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine and the last two years at UVa School of Medicine, where he graduated in 1949. He completed a rotating internship in OB/GYN and then completed his training in general medicine with additional training in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Savannah, GA in 1952. Dr. Walker opened his office for General Practice of Medicine in Statesville, NC on July 1, 1952. In 1953 he formed a partnership with Dr. John Stegall, and they practiced together until Dr. Stegall retired in 1985. He was then joined by Dr. David Cash, whom he delivered, and they practiced together until Dr. Walker retired in 1995. Dr. Walker was on the original staff of Iredell Memorial Hospital and served as Chief of Staff, Chief of Obstetrics and Chief of Medicine. He became a member of the Board of Trustees of Iredell Memorial Hospital in 1985 and from 1986 to 1997 served on the Board of Directors (Vice President from 1996 to 1997). He delivered approximately 4,000 babies throughout his career with about 3,400 in Statesville during his earlier practice years. He was a member (50 years) and Past President of Iredell County Medical Society as well as a member of the N.C. Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He helped organize and was a member of the Board of Directors and Past President of the Board of Hospice. He served on the Board of Directors of Kings Grant Retirement Community. He served on the Board of Directors and was past chairman at the Open Door Clinic as well as working in the Clinic as a volunteer physician from 1995 to 2002. He was active in fundraising for 5 Street Ministries. Dr. Walker was an Elder and an active member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as 2001 President of the Men's Bible Class. He was also a founding member of the Forest Park Presbyterian Church. He served as the President of "Good News of Statesville" at Kings Grant Retirement Community for 3 years and was a board member for 25 years there. Dr. Walker enjoyed many activities including tennis, golf, boating, gardening and water exercise at the YMCA. He and his wife, Mary Helen, traveled to 48 states and over 45 countries over the course of their 40 year marriage. When asked, he would tell you his favorite trip was to the Galapagos Islands followed by the Inside Passage to Alaska. He valued his close relationships with his family, many friends, Doctors, Nurses and hospital staff that he worked with over his career. Dr. Walker is survived by his wife, Mary Helen Walker of 40 years, three children, Gilda Walker Morris (Lee), Cheryl Walker Morand (Ralph), Harry "Hank" Gordon Walker, Jr. (Kathy), two stepchildren, James "Jimmy" E. Pharr, Jr. (Ida), Mary Katherine "Kathy" Pharr Osborne (Doug) and one foster son, Jim Kiser (Elaine). In 1974 he was preceded in death by one stepdaughter Nancy H. Pharr. Also surviving are grandchildren, Carson Morris-Reyes (Pablo), Everett L. Morris IV (Jaymee), Jessie C. Morris, Michele Walker, Christie Walker, Nicole Morand Colman (Bob), Robert Morand (Becky), Erica Cosgrove, John Cosgrove, Aaron Safford (Stacy), Kameron Safford, Shelly Safford, Elisa Pharr Green (Kent), James "Trey" E. Pharr, III, Josh (Joni) Bowling, Erik Kiser; 15 great grandchildren, Eli Morris-Reyes, Catherine Morris, Caleb and Maddie Colman, Allie, Olivia and Sophia Morand, Bella Cosgrove, Michaela and Connor Bowling, Jaxon and Evan Safford, Carson and Courtney Smith, Caleb Green. He also enjoyed his special relationships with his sister-in-laws, Peggy H. Owen (Bill) and Barry H. Braford and numerous other special nieces and nephews. Memorial services for Dr. Harry Walker will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Stephen Scott, Rev. Grant Sharp and Mr. Grant Sutphin officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday, March 6, 2012 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Nicholson Funeral Home. Honorary pallbearers will be the First Presbyterian Church Young Men's Bible Class and Dr. Walker's Breakfast Club Members. A special thanks to his friends and physicians Dr. Ruby Grimm, Dr. Henry Walters and Dr. Roger Roark. The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation to Iredell Memorial Hospital and all the staff for their compassionate care to Dr. Walker and his family. We would also like to express our gratitude to Ike Skinner and Maria Salazar for their valued services over the years. Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Rd., Statesville, NC 28625, First Presbyterian Church, 125 N. Meeting St., Statesville, NC 28677 and Fifth Street Ministries, P.O. Box 5217, Statesville, NC 28687. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com Iredell County and our community is a better place because of his many years of service. Dr. Walker will be greatly missed and was still helping people until recent weeks. Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Dr. Harry Walker.