The long-time, generous Elon parent passed away Saturday, Dec. 11, at the age of 88.
Rear Admiral Edward K. “Ted” Walker Jr. (retired), an Elon parent and grandparent, passed away Saturday, Dec. 11, at the age of 88. He had been a loyal and generous supporter of Elon for more than 45 years, funding many campus initiatives and paying tribute to many Elon staff members through his gifts to the university. He was also active in recruiting prospective students to Elon.
Walker and his late wife Carol Ann were involved with Elon through their daughters, Elon graduates Wendy Walker ’78 and Lynn Streett ’79, and their grandson, David Streett ’06. Over the years, the Walkers were regular supporters of the university. They made gifts to fund a lecture series and the Wall Street Journal subscription program in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business. In several instances, Ted Walker made contributions to fund Elon projects and then used the gift naming opportunities to honor outstanding Elon staff members. His gifts named the head football coach’s office in Alumni Field House in honor of former head coach Jerry Tolley, the financial planning commons area in the Inman Admissions Welcome Center in honor of admissions staff member Barry Bradberry ‘75, a breakout room in Sankey Hall in honor of administrative assistant Robin Plummer, and an office in Schar Center in honor of former assistant athletics director John Keegan ‘96.
“Ted Walker was a champion of Elon, not just in his steadfast support of the university for more than 40 years but as one of its chief advocates among his broad network of connections,” President Connie Ledoux Book said. “He has left his mark on this university and its people through his generosity, advocacy and care, and will be greatly missed.”
Walker was a member of Elon’s Board of Visitors and was chair of the Grandparent Leadership Society. In 2006, Elon’s Alumni Association awarded the Walkers its “Citizens Service of the Year Award” in recognition of their service as ambassadors for Elon. An ardent supporter of Elon, Walker shared the university’s story with all he met for more than four decades.
Walker was born in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1933. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1954 and spent 34 years in the Supply Corps, ending his career as the 35th Chief of the Navy Supply Corps.
After retiring from active duty, Walker became the vice president for administration and director of corporate strategy for Resource Consultants, Inc. (RCI), a worldwide government services contractor. He later served on the board of directors of Herley Industries of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
He was a member of numerous Navy organizations and served as chairman of Vinson Hall Corporation, a retirement community serving military officers and government employees, and a trustee of the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation. Walker joined the board of directors of the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation in 1987 and served as treasurer for 17 years. On two occasions, Walker served as president and CEO of the U.S. Navy Memorial.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 12 at Everly Wheatley Funeral Home in Alexandria, Virginia. The funeral service and interment will be held on Jan. 13 at the Naval Academy Chapel at 10:30 a.m.
Read Walker’s full obituary here.