Gary C. Walker

Gary C. Walker, born in Illinois on July 4, 1944, died on January 10, 2016 at his daughter’s home in Lynchburg, Va. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Joan Walker; his daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Tom Whitaker; his son, Byron Walker; his daughter and son-in-law, Honoree and John Russell; grandsons, Tanner (and wife Felicia) and Ryan Russell; and great granddaughter, Eloisa Russell. Mr. Walker is also survived and lovingly remembered by his brother, sister-in-law, and dear nephew: Steve and Ellen Walker, and Zachary Walker.

Mr. Walker, a graduate of University of Kansas and Yale Law School, retired several years ago after serving as President of Public/Private Ventures for many years, a social science research firm in Philadelphia, Pa. He also served as VP of operations at MDRC in New York City for many years, and spoke fondly of working directly to change people’s lives in NYC while at Wildcat and Pioneer in earlier decades. His life’s work helped inform the nation’s public policy efforts to assist troubled and disadvantaged youth and adults.

A prolific writer all of his life, Mr. Walker was completing a book on social policy and a series of science fiction novels. He was kind, well-loved, and is dearly missed.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, January 15, 2016 at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family. To send condolences, please visit obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.