John Sadler Walker

John Sadler Walker died on August 19, 2026. He was born in Columbia, South Carolina, on February 11, 1925. He was the youngest son of Joseph Walker and Claudia Moore Sadler Walker.

John was educated in the Columbia City schools and the McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. At the end of preparatory high school in 1943, with the United States involved in World War II and his being subject to the draft, Mr. Walker volunteered for the Army at the age of eighteen. He was involved in France and Germany. He was wounded twice in action. After the war Mr. Walker returned to school and entered the University of South Carolina in 1946. He then joined the firm of Joseph Walker and Company, cotton merchants, a firm founded by his father in 1923. He was active with the company as a partner and as a managing partner until his retirement in 1991.

Mr. Walker was Chairman of the Board of Richfair Holdings Incorporated, a family real estate holding company. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of Queens College for eight years. He was a member of Forest Lake Club, DeBordieu Club and the Quadrille Club. He was a charter member of the Summit Club and the Centurion Society. Mr. Walker was a lifetime member of First Presbyterian Church where he was an Elder Emeritus.

Mr. Walker was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers: Joseph Walker, Jr., Robert Cosmo Walker, Claude Moore Walker, Felix DeLeon Walker and his sister, Marion Walker Clarke.

Mr. Walker was preceded in death by his loving wife. He was married to Dolores Clarke Walker for 73 years. They were married on February 24, 1950.

He was also predeceased by his son-in-law, Joe Earl Taylor, Jr.

Mr. Walker is survived by his children: Agnes Pauline Walker Yetman and Amanda DeLeon Walker Taylor (Mrs. Joe Earl Taylor Jr.). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Mary Margaret “Meda” Yetman Charles (Eric), Ann DeLeon Taylor Corontzes (Beach), John Walker Taylor and Sarah Lawrence Yetman.

Mr. Walker was privileged to be a part of a very large, close and constantly expanding “Cotton” Walker family. He valued each and every member with endless love.

With his passing, his family loses the last member of an extraordinary generation.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation for the commitment and love given by all of his caregivers. Special thanks to the Daybreak Family and Vernell Wallace.

We would also like to recognize Mr. Walker’s dear friend and physician, Dr. Bradley Word, for his exceptional care and support.

Following a private burial in the Churchyard of First Presbyterian Church, a memorial service for Mr. Walker will be held in the Smith Chapel of the Church at 11 o’clock, on Saturday, August 22nd. The Rev. Dr. David H. Lauten and the Rev. Dr. Mark Ross will officiate. A visitation will immediately follow in Jackson Hall. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Minnie Lowry Walker Trust Fund, 1324 Marion Street, Columbia, SC 29201.