Garland Walker

1SG (Ret) Garland Eugene Walker, Jr. 65, of Little Rock Arkansas died January 23, 2016. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Garland Eugene Walker, Sr. and Goldie Clyde Walker and his sister Mary Walker, He is survived by his daughters Shelly Duncan (Tommy) of Alexandria, Va., Crystal Walker of Sherwood, Ark., his sister Carol Rich (Bill) of Atlanta, Ga.; and his grandchildren Michael & Brittany of Alexandria, Va. and Nicholas of Sherwood, Ark. Gene served his country in the Army for 23 years. Upon retirement and returning to Little Rock, he worked in a few different positions. Gene was instrumental in establishing the Civilian Student Training Program (CSTP) working with at-risk Juvenile Offenders at Camp Robinson. He was the Executive Director of Pulaski Alternative Learning Academy (PALA) which provided an alternative learning environment for "at-risk" juveniles. He worked for Department of Community Correction until his retirement, working with Parolees assisting in re-entry to the work force. He had a wonderful sense of humor and could always be counted on for a laugh or sharing wisdom better known to his family and friends as "Geneisms". Gene was a fan of NHRA Drag Racing, the Arkansas Razorbacks, and the Arkansas Travelers. He loved golf and could often be found on the golf course when the weather was right. He shared his love of sports with his grandson Nicholas. They attended sporting events together and enjoyed Saturday mornings at IHOP for breakfast. Gene had many friends, but his best and dearest friend has been his buddy of almost 60 years, Charles Kumpuris. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Special Olympics in honor of his sister Mary or the Wounded Warrior Project in honor of his service to the military. The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses of the SICU unit of the Little Rock VA Hospital. The love and care they provided was remarkable. The honorary pallbearers are Charles Kumpuris, Nicholas Walker, Michael Walker, Tom Copeland, Bill Rich, Mike Dodge and Steve Linder. Visitation will be Saturday, January 30, 2016 from noon till 2 p.m. followed by the Memorial Service at 2 p.m. in the Chapel at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.