[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 18 (Tuesday, February 2, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H285]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page H285]]
                    TRIBUTE TO RONALD DONNELL WALKER

  (Mrs. JONES of Ohio asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, my first opportunity 
to speak from this well, on a solemn note, to memorialize and make part 
of the Congressional Record the life of the late Ronald Donnell Walker, 
the husband of my sister, Barbara Walker, and my brother-in-law.
  Ronald Walker, who we affectionately call Uncle Ron, was born in 
Chattanooga, Tennessee on October 20, 1947. He attended Chattanooga 
public schools, graduating from Howard High School in 1965.
  He attended Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia where he majored 
in history and excelled at football. Upon graduation, he was drafted by 
the Detroit Lions football organization. However, his football career 
was cut short by a football injury.
  In 1970, Ron married his college sweetheart, my sister, Barbara 
Tubbs. From this union, one son, Khari Walker, was born.
  Ron was a certified property manager, and his professional career 
took his family to many cities. In each of these cities, he became 
actively involved with the church.
  Ronald and Barbara were a team. When you asked for one, you always 
got two. So it was, from the beginning of their marriage right up to 
the end.
  My sister Barbara was my campaign manager in my successful bid for 
Congress. It is as a result of their hard work that I stand before my 
colleagues today.
  Most recently, Ron organized a bus trip to Washington for the 106th 
Congress swearing in. My last opportunity to see him. Thank God it was 
a joyous occasion, and all of my family was here to witness it.
  God blessed me and the 11th Congressional District with this 
wonderful couple. I know that his work on earth will bring heavenly 
rewards.
  Mr. Speaker, I include Ron's obituary for the Congressional Record.
  The document is as follows:

                 The Obituary of Ronald Donnell Walker

       Ronald Donnell Walker, son of Lenora Walker and the late 
     John H. Walker, was born October 20, 1947, in Chatanooga, 
     Tennessee. Ron attended Chatanooga public schools, graduating 
     from Howard High School in 1965. He attended college at 
     Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he majored in 
     History and excelled at football. Ron was a member of Omega 
     Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and was nicknamed Ron ``Freeway'' 
     Walker. He graduated in 1969 and was drafted by the Detroit 
     Lions football organization. His football career was cut 
     short by a football injury. He then began to pursue a career 
     in property management.
       In 1970 Ron married his college sweetheart, Barbara Tubbs. 
     To this union, one son, Khari Walker, was born. The Walkers 
     lived in many cities beginning in Cleveland, later moving to 
     Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Hartford, back to Cleveland, 
     Dayton, Pittsburgh and most recently, to Cleveland again. Ron 
     was very active in the campaign to elect Congresswoman 
     Stephanie Tubbs Jones (OH-11) and had recently returned from 
     the official congressional swearing-in in Washington, D.C.
       Ron professed his faith at an early age. In each city, in 
     which the family lived, he found a church home and became 
     very active. At First Baptist Church in Hartford, he was an 
     ordained deacon and member of its housing corporation. In 
     Dayton, Ron joined Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, in 
     Pittsburg, Mount Arat Baptist Church. Each time they returned 
     to Cleveland, Ron and Barbara reunited with Bethany Baptist 
     Church, where he served as a deacon and she served as a 
     missionary. They both worked with the pastor's aid and with 
     the young people of Bethany.
       Ron was devoted to his family and he left a host of family 
     and friends to celebrate his life. Among them are his wife of 
     twenty eight (28) years, Barbara Walker, sons, Khari Walker 
     (Atlanta, GA.) and Kevin Erskine (Deborah, Murfreesboro, 
     Tenn.) and three granddaughters, Jalysa, Jenne and Jenysa. He 
     is also survived by his mother, Lenora Walker (Chatanooga, 
     Tenn.), two sisters Julia Tousaint (New York, N.Y.) and 
     Althea Jackson (Chatanooga, Tenn.), one brother, Rev. Anthony 
     Walker (Lagail, Atlanta, GA.), one aunt, Dorothy Gilliam 
     (Queens, N.Y.) his in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Tubbs (Mary) 
     sisters-in-law, Stephanie Tubbs Jones (Mervyn and Mervyn II) 
     and Mattie Still (Robert, San Francisco, CA.). His brother, 
     John H. Walker Jr. predeceased him.
       Ron loved the Lord and he let his work speak for him. His 
     generous size camouflaged his gentle mature. His captivating 
     smile and infectious personality will be missed by all.

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