SSG Charles Walker, US Army (Ret.), 60, of Columbia, died on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. Born in Augusta, Georgia, on December 26, 1961, he was a son of Willie Mae McKie Walker and the late Roy D. Walker. He graduated from Butler High School in 1980. Charles served as a dedicated soldier in the United States Army for 20 years until his retirement in 2000. He was acknowledged for displaying an outstanding professional demeanor, which made him an ideal role model for his subordinates and peers to emulate. His motivation and professional excellence propelled him to the top of his peer group. He was a true team player. SSG Walker preformed his duties with professionalism, self-confidence, and pride in a job well done. His personal example of leadership provided motivation and positive role modeling for thousands of IET soldiers processing through the battalion. His tenacity, selfless service and personal will to win ensured mission success.

Following his retirement, he worked in the Automotive Department at Walmart for 21 years, where he mirrored similar dedication and was a loved member of the team. He was a great father, who was known to be strict, tough as nails, yet taught dedication, loyalty, and true commitment to one's path. He was reliable, dependable, and always ready to tackle any problem. He was a loving grandfather to his grandchildren and grandpet's Charlotte, Duke, and Koda. Charles was an attendee of Ambassador Christian Center and will be remembered as a man of few words, but a wonderful listener. He loved the universe, enjoyed being outside, fishing, aviation, and especially stargazing.

In addition to his mother, survivors include his wife of 38 years, Maria Ambarian Walker; daughter, Stephanie Maria Fuller (Travis); sons, Charles Kevin Walker (daughter-in-law) and Devon Roy Walker; grandchildren, London Maria Fuller, Nathanial Lee Fuller, Hailey Nicole Fuller, Warren Kevin Durant; siblings, Annette McKie, Thomas Walker (Barbara), Thomasina Stewart, Joan Lewis, Roy Walker, Jr., Janice Krause (Rev. Harold Krause), Marilyn Johnson; brother-in-law, Robert Lewis; aunts, Bernice Walker, Lula Walker, and Dora Lamb; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his father; and siblings, Bruce Walker and Anna Lewis; brother-in-law, Harry Stewart and Leroy Lewis.

The funeral service for SSG Walker will be held at 11:30 o'clock, Thursday, June 2nd, at Ambassador Christian Center, 7020 Frost Avenue, Columbia, with Pastor David Jenkins officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Jackson National Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the church beginning at 10:30 o'clock. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.