Joseph Walker

Joseph E. Walker, 88, a longtime resident of Washington Road, Cowpens, SC, passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2017 at Skylyn Place, Spartanburg, SC. Born on September 6, 1928, in Cherokee Springs, SC he was the son of the late Roosevelt and Maggie Walker. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by the love of his life, his wife of 62 years, Jeanette Hare Walker; and his sister Shirley Carson. Joe served in the U. S. Army and retired from the U. S. Air Force after more than 20 years of service. His overseas tours included Germany, Japan, Korea, and Libya. He served in several locations stateside; his last assignment was at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida where he served as First Sergeant for the Air Police squadron. He retired as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1966. His awards and decorations include, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany and Japan), Korean Service Medal, UN Service Medal, four Good Conduct Medals and the Air Force Commendation Medal. When Joe retired from the Air Force he immediately went to work for the Spartanburg County Sheriff's office as Deputy Sheriff for the Cowpens area. He then served as a homicide detective for several years and retired from the sheriff's office as the warden of the county jail. He also worked for Clarkson Brothers of Cowpens. He loved to play golf but was not that good at keeping score, was known to relish a good cigar and enjoyed watching his cows in the pasture. He was a member of Central Baptist Church Cowpens, SC. He was a mason, a member of the Scottish and York rite temples and a Shriner. He was also a member of the VFW, the Sheriff's Association of SC, and a longtime member of the Cowpens Lions Club from which he derived much enjoyment. He is survived by his brother, James W. Walker; two sons, Clark Walker (Marlene) and Mike Walker (Sharon); and a daughter, Regina Sanford (Jim). He is also survived by three grandchildren, Brandilan Walker Poole (Thomas), Kayla Walker Kustos (George), and Tyler Sanford; and great granddaughter, Peyton Poole. Visitation will be 1:30-2:15 PM Wednesday, February 15, 2017, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Funeral services will follow at 2:30 PM, at the Chapel, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Jason Metcalf and the Rev. Alan Blanton. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Rd., Spartanburg., SC 29307. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central Baptist Church of Cowpens Food Pantry, 126 East Church Street, Cowpens, SC 29330; or the Cowpens Lions Club, 116 Battleground Road, Cowpens, SC 29330. The family is at their respective homes. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joseph E. Walker please visit our Sympathy Store.