Dr. George Edward "Ed" Walker

Dr. George Edward Walker, a husband, father and friend to all was called home to rest on April 7, 2013.

Ed was born in Waynesville, NC, on April 22, 1942 to the late George Felix and Evelyn Lenoir Walker. He was raised in Canton, NC, attending Reynolds High School where he was a successful long distance runner. In Canton, he joined Pleasant Grove Baptist Church at an early age and continued on at Bethlehem Baptist Church after he moved to Atlanta.

He attended Berea College and North Carolina Central University, earning a B.S. in Chemistry. He went on to Meharry Medical College to earn his M.D. and began practicing Internal Medicine in the United States Air Force where he achieved the rank of Major.

Ed married Patricia Caldwell on Dec, 20, 1969. In 1974, they settled in Atlanta, GA where Ed became the first African-American doctor on staff at Crawford W. Long Hospital. He successfully operated his own private practice until he retired in 2011. He was was adored by his patients who appreciated his caring demeanor and sense of humor. It was his love of medicine and his patients that brought him out of retirement to practice again until shortly before his passing.

Ed was well known for his comedic spirit, his love of cooking, especially on the grill, and playing with his granddaughters. He was a self-trained pianist and an avid lover of music. He had a heartwarming personality and possessed the unique ability to make anyone feel at ease.

Ed is survived by Patricia Walker, his wife of 43 years, four sons, Gregory, Michael (Nikki), Bradley (Nicole) and Jonathan Walker, one daughter, Heather (Daniel) James, five granddaughters, Syndi Walker, Olivia and Zoe James, Trinity Walker and Bailey Walker, two sisters, Gwendolyn Cradle and Octavia Caldwell (Ronald), three brothers, Garland (Sheila), Ashley (Dorothy) and Dana Walker and a host of other relatives and friend.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 11:00AM at St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church, 2670 Hogan Road, East Point, Georgia. Family and friends are requested to assemble at the church at 10:30AM.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church Capital Campaign .