Charles Walker

Obituary For Charles Walker

Charles Androus Walker was born on May 19,1945 in Fort Pierce, Florida to the late Gladys Murray and Charlie Androus Walker. He was the first of three siblings and a devoted son to his parents which he lovingly cared for in their later years. He was the sole caregiver for his mother for several years before her death.

Charles attended Lincoln Park Academy. He is an alumnus of the class of 1966. He met Gertrude Roberts in 1962 at Lincoln Park Academy, she would become his high school sweetheart and future wife. To this union four children were born. They were married for 54 years.

He accepted Christ as his personal savior at the age of twelve and was later baptized at Johnson Temple Church of God in Christ in Fort Pierce, Florida. He was raised by loving and devoted parents who nurtured him in service to God and a love for his fellow man. One of his favorite childhood memories was of his parents taking him to visit the sick and pray for their healing. Through this experience he developed a heart of love and compassion for all he encountered in need and as he matured his life was guided by this. He was truly a faithful servant and a man of God.

From this humble beginning, Charles acquired four passions that would become the driving force that would guide his life. The love for God and Family, painting landscapes and the wildlife of Florida, mastering the game of Basketball and mentoring young people.

Charles was fourteen years old when he was introduced to basketball, this was the beginning of one of his lifelong passions. He was truly an exceptionally gifted Basketball player, mazing all who encountered his skills and abilities on the court. This earned him the nick name "Hawk" on and off the court. A game that he loved and mastered that he would use to inspire young men of his community in need of guidance and encouragement to be their very best.

His first job was at the Okeechobee Correctional Institution for Boys, where he supervised very troubled boys, giving firm guidance, treating them with respect, and gaining their respect and admiration in return. A job he enjoyed but required working nights away from his wife and young family.

Charles was then employed by the St. Lucie County Recreation Department as a Recreation Supervisor at Lincoln Park Community Center. There he continued to mold and encourage youth.

After 20 years of employment, he retired to devote his full time to painting. His talent for drawing had been developing since his early childhood and throughout high school and was ignited when he met his wife Gertrude who also painted. Charles was introduced to her brother Livingston Robert's who was painting with a group of artists that were selling their artwork for a living. With the encouragement of his wife and the inspiration of his brother-in-law he began to paint in the late sixties and continued painting in his spare time throughout his career in recreation. Charles was indicted into the Florida Artist Hall of Fame in 2004 along with the other 25 Original Florida Highwaymen. This is the most prestigious Honor the state can bestow upon an artist. He was the Recipient of the 2022 Florida Folk Life Heritage Award presented on April 9, 2022.

On Tuesday, May 24, 2022, surrounded by the love of his family, he transitioned from labor to reward. He was preceded in death by his parents Gladys and Charlie Walker, his brother, Willie James Walker all of Ft. Pierce, Fl. His sister Rita Virginia Marshall, of Bronx, NY.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife Gertrude, their four children, sons Charles Andrew Walker, of West Palm Beach, FL. and Aldon Walker of Ft. Pierce, FL. Daughters, Charlene Walker, of Pt. St.Lucie, FL. and Melanie Walker-Young of Kennasaw, GA. Grandsons, Myan Walker and Nyle Walker of Port St. Lucie, FL. Granddaughters, Nyla Gertrude Young and Amaya Gladys Walker of Kennasaw, Brothers-in-Law: James Roberts and D' Angelo Rosa of Jacksonville, Fl, William Robinson of Savannah, GA. Sisters-in-Law, Loretta Moreno of Ft. Pierce, FL, Carolyn (Joe) Wheeler of Florohome, FL. and Angela (Leo) Ortiz of Fairfield, OH. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and devoted friends who will miss him dearly.

He will be remembered as a truly devoted husband, father, proud grandfather, an extraordinarily talented artist, and an exceptionally gifted basketball player who used his skill to inspire, encourage and mentor young men in his community throughout his live.

At the family's request, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Florida Highwaymen Museum Fund.

Public visitation for Charles Walker will take place on Friday, June 10, 2022 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Stone Brothers Funeral Home in Fort Pierce, FL. Funeral services will convene on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Pierce, FL beginning at 2:00pm. Burial will immediately follow in Riverview Memorial Park.

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