Distinguished Alum Freeman Walker (MSW '69) dies at 71

Freeman Walker, a 1969 MSW graduate of the University of Georgia School of Social Work, passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at the age of 71.

A native of Columbus, GA, Walker attended Clark Atlanta University and earned his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College. Walker earned his MSW from the University of Georgia School of Social Work in 1969.
He was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

He spent most of his career with the Veterans's Health Administration and the Veterans's Affairs Medical Center in Greensboro, NC, Tuskegee, AL and Atlanta, GA. Walker retired as the associate director of the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Decatur. He also served as an adjunct associate professor at the University of South Carolina School of Social Work.

Walker was a member of the UGA School of Social Work Board of Visitors, an advisory committee that provides the School's administration guidance and support and acts as a liaison between the University and the School. He was a staunch ally of the School of Social Work and was extremely outspoken in his support for a new facility. He often used public University functions to lobby administrators for funding for a new building project. Most recently, Walker was appointed chairman of the Public Relations committee for the School of Social Work's 50th Anniversary Celebration.

"Freeman Walker was a distinguished alumnus of the University of Georgia School of Social Work," said Dean Maurice Daniels. "He had an illustrious career  in social work practice and administration.  He was a prominent member of the Social Work Board of Visitors and avid supporter of our School.  In 2010, Freeman played a pivotal role in organizing support for the endowment of the Donald L. Hollowell Professorship. He was a good friend and will be missed," Daniels said.

For his meritorious service, Mr. Walker was the recipient of the School of Social Work's Distinguished Alumni Award in 2010.

Walker is survived by his wife Dr. Shirley Quarles, who he married in 1996, his son, Freeman Walker, III, daughter-in-law Kimberlé and their daughter, Taylor.

The funeral will be held Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 11 AM at Lutheran Church by the Lake, 100 Twelve Oaks Dr. and Hwy. 378, McCormick, SC. There will be a viewing at 10:30 AM immediately before the service. Platt's (West) Funeral Home located at 337 North Belair Road, Evans, GA is in charge of arrangements. They can be reached at (706) 860-6166.

 If so desired, memorials may be made to University of Georgia School of Social Work student scholarship program. Please contact Jennifer Abbott at (706) 542-9093 orjabbott@uga.edu.

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