For those of you who knew Harry Walker, he was the best.
He was a Master Sergeant in the Air Force, just getting ready to retire after his long service in the Armed Forces. He spent a year in Korea. He faithfully attended the Hospitality House, the ministry Becca and I headed up for a year and a half before our exit. Harry was incredibly supportive of us. I’ve never met anyone like him. He was quite the man of God.
Becca and I were invited to his “going-away” party. The party was on base at a Colonel’s house. Master Sergeant is the 2nd highest enlisted rank you can achieve in the Air Force. Next up is Chief Master Sergeant, and very few ever get to that level, even after more than twenty years in the Air Force. This should give you some indication of his level of worldly success.
At this “going-away” party, just a week or so before he left to be with his family after a separation of almost 12 months, individual after individual rose and showered Harry with encouraging words and praise as we ate an incredible meal catered and paid for by the Colonel (this isn’t necessarily common). They even made me get up and say something.
Harry got to speak last. I’ll never forget what he said. He attributed every aspect of his success, and the success of those in his care, to prayer. Harry explained how he would ask for the list of soldiers under his care every week, updated, because he prayed for them every day. He prayed for those under his care and those he was responsible to. Harry spoke of a mystical power in deliberate prayer that, honestly, convicted me as someone seen by others as a “minister.” In the midst of several people who were not Christians, Harry gave all the praise to Jesus Christ.
I honestly didn’t know how the House would continue after he left. Harry was that integral to our community. Every enlisted man wished he was their leader. Harry had this unique knack for rebuking you harshly, and you somehow thanked him for it because you knew first of all that he was correct, and second of all that he loved you. Harry told everyone exactly what he felt they needed to know, regardless of their rank or position.
Harry also just loved on people. He smiled and laughed with the best of them. He was like this big teddy bear most of the time.
The House did survive and continue to thrive, of course … probably because Harry was praying for us. I missed him, though. I miss him still.
And I will continue to miss him until eternity. I received an email from Fred Stock, the director of the House before us, that Harry Walker had a heart attack and died on May 30. You can read his obituary here.
He left behind a beautiful wife and two adopted boys (just an example of his big heart). Pray for them if you think of it. She is a true widow in need of all we can give.
Harry — and you can bet all your material goods on this one — is in a much better place, cheering us on.
Peace.
britt- thanks for sharing this. i just saw it this morning (monday). i actually remember you telling me about harry before, specifically the part about asking for an updated list of those under him so he could pray for them. that is such a challenging testimony.
I can’t believe it. He was so much fun to be around, and he served so faithfully at the House. Thank you for posting about his passing on your blog. Otherwise, I might never have known. I remember meeting Tracy too. They were so great to be with.