4 months ago
Graveside services for longtime Warner Robins Mayor Donald Walker have ended.
Several dozen people attended his burial at Magnolia Park Cemetery. The ceremony ended about 4:30 p.m.
That came after a mile-long procession that led from the city's Homer J. Walker Civic Center.
In an hour-long funeral service at the civic center, hundreds of people wished Walker farewell with prayers, songs and patriotism.
The several hundred guests included a governor, a congressman, dozens of other Central Georgia officials, many city employees and many of Warner Robins' everyday people.
Bishop Jeff Poole greeted the crowd and presented a Scripture reading.
Sebie Lacey sang "The Lord's Prayer," and the Fellowship Bible Baptist Church Choir performed "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" and "Amazing Grace."
Former state Rep. Larry Walker, no relation, discussed his longtime friendship with Mayor Walker, and Pastor Willie Reid delivered the eulogy.
His coffin arrived at the civic center around 11:15 a.m., with a police escort and full honor guard.
Starting at noon, the public began viewing Walker's body as it lay in repose at the civic center.
Gov. Sonny Perdue and his wife, Mary, who are Bonaire residents, arrived around 1:30 p.m.
Walker, mayor of the International City for 15 years, died Monday from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police have ruled his death a suicide.The Warner Robins Police Department says the following streets are closed due to the funeral:
(Re-opening times are tentative)
1:45 PM - 4:00 PM: Watson Blvd. from GA 247 to Davis Dr. will be closed to ALL traffic
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM: Watson Blvd. from Davis Dr. to Pleasant Hill Rd. will be closed
2:45 PM - 5:00 PM: S. Pleasant Hill Rd. from Watson Blvd. to Jones Pl. will be closed
2:45 PM - 5:00 PM: Demon Valley Dr. at Peachtree Circle will be closed to ALL traffic
A news release says The Warner Robins Recreation Department and ALL recreation facilities adjacent to the Warner Robins Municipal Complex to include Perkins Field, tennis courts and park area will be closed from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
There are (4) areas designated for the parking of passenger vehicles for the funeral service at the Homer J. Walker Civic Center.
They are: (1) Warner Robins Municipal Complex, (2) Macon State College Complex & Lola Brantley Library, (3) Robins Federal Credit Union Complex and (4) Wellston Center/Perkins Field Recreation Area.
There will be NO PARKING allowed along city streets, shoulders, rights of way, sidewalks or ANY improved grass areas of any property unless directed by public safety personnel.
Improperly parked vehicles will be immediately towed at the owner's expense. Prospective attendees are asked to arrive as early as possible as interior seating is limited.
Limited mobility assistance will be provided in each parking area via transport by multi-passenger low speed vehicles to assist in delivery to the Civic Center.
