John William Walker, Sr.

John William (Jubby) Walker was born March 19, 1923, in Gainesville, Georgia to Myrtle Mealor Walker and George Raymond Walker. John, 88, went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, April 12th from the comfort of his home surrounded by his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, George, Luke, and Dick and his sister Teen Smith. He graduated from Gainesville High School and then Georgia Tech in 1950. Survivors include his bride of 65 years, Hilda Kimsey Walker of Lake Charles; daughter Nancy McDonald and husband Mickey of Shreveport; son Johnny Walker and wife Ceresa of Lafayette; son Kim Walker and wife Kimi of Houma; 7 grandchildren, Dr. Maxwell (Chip) McDonald and wife Emily of Shreveport; Dr. John Walker McDonald and wife Rebecca of Baton Rouge; Brad Bourgeois and wife Adrienne of Baton Rouge; Dr. Gregory Bourgeois and wife Hannah of Metairie; Rebecca Bourgeois of New Orleans; Kate Walker and Jack Walker of Lafayette; along with 10 great-grandchildren.

John enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1942 and was commissioned at Yale University in New Haven, CT. as a 2nd Lieutenant. John and Hilda were married in 1946 in Gainesville, Georgia. After the war, Jubby attended Georgia Tech. In order to attend Tech, he would hitch hike everyday from Gainesville to downtown Atlanta, a 120 mile roundtrip. He graduated with a degree in electrical engineering in 3 1/2 years in the top 10% of his class. Following graduation, Jubby accepted a job with Schlumberger Well Services in South Louisiana and worked there for 38 years until his retirement in 1985.

Jubby was an avid golfer and a regular participant in the "dog fight" at Pine Shadows and Mallard Cove, maintaining and managing his betting book with the other "dog fight" golfers. He imparted his love of golf to his two sons, who enjoyed many rounds with their Dad. John was a member of Oak Park United Methodist Church where he served as Sunday school superintendant and taught the adult Sunday school class for many years. Papa's favorite expression during the 60's that he used to motivate his children was the acronym LBJ Lessons, Bath Jammies. After completion of LBJ, TV watching was allowed.

His funeral service will be at 4:00 PM, Friday, April 15, 2011 at First United Methodist Church of Lake Charles under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Reverend's Weldon C. Barras, Steve Caraway, and Louis Blankenbaker will officiate. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until time of service in the church. A graveside service will be at 10:30 AM, Monday, April 18, 2011 at Altavista Cemetery in Gainesville, GA under the direction of Little Davenport Funeral Home of Gainesville. His nephew, Fr. Michael Carreker will officiate.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Ron Lewis, the Heart of Hospice staff, including Sheryl Trahan, Jessie, Julie and Jennifer, a neighbor Elaine Reed, Mary Williams, and FiFi Martin for their loving kindness.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heart of Hospice at 750 Bayou Pines, Suite A, Lake Charles, LA 70601 or Bible Study Fellowship at www.bsfInternational.org.