Dr. Charles L. Walker Obituary (1950 - 2022)

On Wednesday, October 19, 2022, God sent his angels to carry Dr. Charles Len Walker, to his eternal home. Dr. Charles Len Walker, age 71, from the northside of Richmond, passed away October 19, 2022, unexpectedly, in his sleep. Charles was born in Richmond, Virginia, at MCV's Saint Phillips Hospital on Christmas Eve 1950. He was the fifth of seven children, born to the late Ernest and Dorothy Walker. He was also preceded in death by his grandmother Marie W. Jones, his brothers William H. Walker IV, George A. Walker Sr., and his first wife Mary Galbreath Walker. Charles had a passion for learning, attended Richmond Public Schools and graduated from John Marshall High School in 1969. Affectionately known as Charlie (Herm) Walker, he was the captain of John Marshall's 1968 Championship Football Team! He was among the first black students to integrate RPS in the early 1960s. Charles attended Fisk University, where he met his first wife and mother of his three children, Mary Galbreath. They returned to Richmond where he worked at Richmond Times Dispatch as a circulation manager, supervising, "paper boys." While working at RTD, he attended Virginia Commonwealth University at night, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History. He later earned a master's degree in Special Education, from VCU and a Doctorate in education leadership from NOVA Southeast Florida University. Dr. Walker loved working with and developing the minds and character of school children; and was an educator and school principal at Richmond Public Schools for many years. Charles came from a long line of educators with two sisters (Barbara Walker, Ernestine Walker Terrell) and a brother (Ernest Walker) being teachers and principals. Charles enjoyed playing sports and coaching young boys in football. His favorite professional football team was the Washington Commanders. He was an excellent bid whist card player and often bragged about being the reigning champion of the family. Most of all, Charles LOVED fishing and would spend many quality hours fishing with his brothers and children! Fresh water or salt water, it didn't matter. He was the Virgil Ward of his day. More than anything on earth, Charles loved his family. His children meant the world to him, and he was so very proud of them all. Leaving to cherish his memory are his daughter, Charlene Walker Briggs (David); two sons, Charles Len Walker Jr., Dr. James A. Walker (Chelsea); wife of 13 years, Ella C. Walker; five grandchildren, Clayton, Christopher, Paige, Zoey, Matilda; two sisters, Barbara J. Walker, Ernestine Walker Terrell; two brothers, Ernest J. Walker (Dianne), Johnny Walker (Albertina); beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives, and longtime friends. Viewing will be Wednesday, October 26th from 9:00am to 5:00pm at Mimms Funeral Home, where later that evening, the family will receive friends from 5:00pm-7:00pm. A Homegoing Celebration will take place on Thursday at 12:00 noon, at the family church, All Souls Presbyterian, 19 Overbrook Road. Interment, family monument at Mt. Calvary Cemetery