Claudius Alan Walker

Claudius ‘Alan’ Walker, age 82, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 – just one day shy of celebrating his 60th wedding anniversary with the love of his life, Edie. Born June 8, 1940 to Claudius J. and Anna Walker in Jacksonville, FL, Alan was big brother to sisters Claudia and Shirley. Alan called Jacksonville home until his graduation from Jacksonville University in 1963. Just prior to graduation, his father and his future sister-in-law orchestrated an introduction to Edith Durden who was visiting Florida on a short break from nursing school. It was love at first sight and after a whirlwind long-distance romance, they eloped! It was off to Atlanta for the young couple where Edie worked as a nurse and Alan landed a job with Traveler’s Insurance Agency as an adjuster. In 1965, they welcomed their first child Steven Alan and the second in 1967, Barbie Ann. The Travelers Company kept the family ‘traveling’ for several years moving from Atlanta, Rome, Columbus, Winter Haven and Jacksonville before arriving in Tallahassee in 1970. In no time, Tallahassee felt like home with its Southern charm & canopy roads. Best of all, it wasn’t far from the Gulf coast. Before Traveler’s could move them again, Alan launched Walker Construction Company in 1973, a very successful general contracting business specializing in restoration & repair. While building his business, Alan somehow found time to pursue his lifetime dream of being a pilot earning multiple FAA ratings including instrument, multi-engine, instructor and acrobatic. And, for many years, if he was not in the air, he’d be out on the gulf fishing with his kids on the Barbie Ann. Throughout the many years in Tallahassee, he established a strong community of friends – especially from Springtime Tallahassee. Alan and Edie hosted many fabulous parties, attended countless balls, walked miles in parades, spent hours building floats – and loved every minute of it. After decades in contracting, Alan closed Walker Construction and returned to work as an insurance adjuster. He would also indulge Edie, a master gardener, with hours of volunteer service in the gardens at the Goodwood Museum. Furthermore, he was her lifetime sous chef and could slice & dice veggies like a Ginsu-knife master. Alan was a great husband, father, brother and friend to many. His quick smile and boisterous laugh will be sorely missed. He is survived by his loving wife, Edith; his son Steven, his daughter Barbie Pressly; his son-in-law Scott Pressly; grandchildren Christopher, Christina, Matthew, Drika, Carden, KJ and Palmer; and 2 precious great grandchildren Thea and Aiden. A Celebration of Life will be held 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 13th, 2023 at Bevis Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Goodwood Museum and Gardens at goodwoodmuseum.org . Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisiting the Walker family with their arrangements. ( 850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com)

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Claudius Alan Walker

June 8, 1940 - June 6, 2023