Succeeded by John H. Chichester Preceded by Toy D. Savage, Jr. Battles and wars World War II Succeeded by Peter K. Babalas Political party Democratic Party | Preceded by William V. Rawlings Died January 15, 2001 Succeeded by D. Nick Rerras Name Stanley Walker | |
Preceded by William F. Parkerson, Jr. | ||
Service/branch United States Army | ||
Stanley Clay Walker (July 2, 1923 – January 15, 2001) was a long-time Democratic politician, elected in 1963 to represent Norfolk, Virginia as a delegate to the Virginia General Assembly, and in 1971 winning election to represent the city and surrounding areas in the Virginia Senate, at first from the 5th district and after redistricting following the 1980 census representing the 6th district. In 1988, Walker rose to become president pro tempore of the Virginia Senate, holding that position until his retirement in 2000.
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Early life
Walker was born on July 2, 1923 in Norfolk. He graduated from Fork Union Military Academy, and was sent to the European Theatre in World War II at the age of 18 serving in an ordnance unit of the 82nd Airborne Division.
Political career
In 1959, as racial desegregation of the public schools was being fought out in Virginia, Walker was appointed to the Norfolk School Board, "where he was a voice of moderation in the often perilous efforts to integrate the public schools."
In 1963, Walker was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates representing Norfolk, serving from 1964 - 1971. That year he was elected to the Virginia Senate in a 3-member multimember district representing Norfolk and part of the City of Virginia Beach. Eventually, as a result of redistricting, he would represent the 6th District. He was elected president pro tempore by the Senate in 1988. He served in the Senate, chairing 4 committees, until his defeat in 1999.
Death
Walker died on January 15, 2001 in Norfolk, Virginia.