Floyd Gene Walker

Floyd Gene Walker, 78, of Charlotte, died November 29, 2024, at the Wilora Lake Healthcare Center in Charlotte. Floyd was born in Mecklenburg County on December 11, 1945, the son of Leo and Ila Mae Fowlkes Walker. He played football in junior high before going on to Garinger High School where he graduated in 1963. Floyd went on to attend UNCC where he was an average student. On October 4, 1967, Floyd answered his country’s call to service and enlisted in the United States Navy, where he attained the rank of SK2 and earned the “National Defense Service Medal” before his honorable discharge on August 17, 1971. Floyd then went back to college at UNCC. During one particular class, he sat next to a young Ms. Joanne Harrison who was quite impressed with the way he spoke and presented himself. It turned out, they also had a figure drawing class together, including nudes. Floyd loved to do ink drawings of the nudes but Joanne was quick to point out that the drawings were models in the class and not her! His humor did not deter their relationship, however, as they eventually married. His creativity did not end with the art class. He was creative in many ways: he made much of his furniture including his coffee table, stereo cabinet and even his bar. While he attained average grades before his Navy service, he made high grades this time around and earned his bachelors degree in 1973. Floyd’s dad was an auto body man for Folger Buick and together with Floyd and his other son Norman, operated Walker Body Shop and Central Auto Repair on Central Avenue. Floyd enjoyed repairing and restoring cars and he was proud of his accomplishments doing so. Ever one to push himself and excel no matter what he did, Floyd attended CPCC and took a class in real estate to become a real estate broker. As an agent for H.S Patterson Real Estate, he received the “Salesman of the Month” award in December 1974. He also attended a course through the Realtors Institute in Chapel Hill from June 8th to 14th in 1975. Floyd even tried his hand at building. When he needed a garage, he took a carport frame and filled it in to create an enclosed garage. When the inspector came to check it out, he commented on the excellent work Floyd did in the conversion! Floyd’s love of sports extended beyond football in junior high. He also enjoyed tennis and golf with his friends and brother, Norman. At the Idlewild Apartment Tennis Tournament in men’s doubles, Floyd and his partner Frank Dickerson won the trophy in September of 1974. Floyd’s wife, Joanne, has given her friends at Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for her and her family. Graveside services will be held at 2 pm on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Evergreen Cemetery, 4426 Central Avenue, Charlotte. Mr. Michael Neddo will lead the services and representatives from the US Navy will be on hand to render final military honors to their fellow sailor.

Floyd Gene Walker

December 11, 1945 - November 29, 2024