Mickey Walker, a leader in the Anderson community for many years, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2014 at his home after an extended illness. He was 81 years old. Born in Marion, NC, he was the son of the late Joseph Arthur and Iva Walker.
He is survived by his wife Betty Shirley Walker; sons, David (Jackie) Walker and Danny (Susan) Walker; daughter, Susan (Keith) Timmerman. He was "Big Buddy" to his grandchildren: Dr. Jackson (Dr. Lauren) Walker, Boone Walker, Clarke Walker, Dr. Amanda (Austin) Walker, Allie Walker, Cameron Walker, Reed Timmerman and Wade (Kayla) Timmerman. He is also survived by his sister, Loretta (Jim) Ellis and sister-in-law, Carolyn Walker; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Bill Walker and his sister, Jane Brinkley.
Mickey attended the Marion public schools and Stetson University. After graduating from Furman University he served in the 2nd Armor Division in Mannheim, Germany. Following his Army duty, he returned to Marion and began his insurance career in life and health. He later represented Hardware Mutual of the Carolinas, a fire and casualty company. Mickey then decided to open an independent agency in Anderson, a career that lasted for forty-three years. He retired as a founding partner of Palmetto Insurance of Anderson. He really enjoyed the relationships formed with his customers and employees.
He played American Legion Baseball in high school and baseball at Furman. He was a Life Member of Cardinal Racquet Club, co-director of the first Anderson Tennis Classic and played tournament tennis as long as health permitted. He supported and encouraged young tennis players and made tennis a family sport for his own children.
Mickey was an encourager of young people and an enthusiastic supporter of Anderson University. He served as a trustee on the Advisory Board and was a founding member of the Trojan Club. He received the Annie Dove Denmark Award for his service.
He was very civic minded and loved his adopted hometown of Anderson. As a young man, he was active in Jaycees and Sertoma. He was past president of the Anderson Chamber of Commerce, and was co-chair of the Riley for Governor Campaign.
For many years, he was Chairman of the Board of Haven of Rest Ministries. He was instrumental in building the children's home which is now the men's training center, which is a place to help men turn their lives around.
Most important of all to Mickey was his faith. He cherished the opportunity to become close to many church families in the Saluda Baptist Association. He served as a part-time Minister of Music at Southside, Pope Drive, Whitefield and Lebanon Baptist Churches, and as interim at several others. His home church in Anderson was First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, choir member, and long-time Sunday School teacher. He will certainly be at home in the Heavenly choir.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church conducted by Dr. James R. Thomason. Private interment will precede the service. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday at Sullivan-King Mortuary, 3205 North Highway 81, Anderson. Family members are at their respective homes.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of choice.