Gary Michael Walker

Gary Michael Walker, 63, of Atlanta, died unexpectantly Thursday, June 5, 2014 at his home. He was born on August 18, 1950, the son of the late Gordon Walker, Sr and the late Geneva Cook Mills, in Marietta, GA, and raised in Valdosta, Ga. Mr. Walker was a tool and die maker by trade, starting his own business, Triad Tool & Die, Inc. in Atlanta in 1979. He was an accomplished musician playing in several bands over the years. Gary also had a love for martial arts, competing in an international competition in Japan. Also, Gary had a life-long passion for knowledge as he was a voracious reader. He had other interests which included playing pool, playing poker, gardening, making pottery, collecting, and playing the stock market. Gary will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, humor, his ability to impart his knowledge through teaching, and his beautiful spirit. Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Joanne Walker of Atlanta; two siblings, sister Heather Gideon of Thomasville, and brother Gordon Walker, Jr of Valdosta; four sons and daughter-in-law, Michael and Laura Walker of Valdosta, Chad Walker, Thomas Walker, and Taylor Walker all of Atlanta; three grandchildren, Alden Walker, Abigail Walker, and Anna Kate Walker. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Rita Walker and Ann Walker; mother Geneva Cook Mills; step-father Norris B. Mills of Thomasville; mother-in-law Mary Harden Stone of Augusta. A graveside service to inter and honor his memory will be held at, 6 p.m., Saturday, June 21, 2014 at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Thomasville, GA. The family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in lieu of flowers. Gary and Joanne sacrificed greatly to care for Joanne's mother Mary while she suffered from Alzheimer's. He would have been pleased to help fund research for that cause.