Arthur Jennings “A.J.” Walker Jr.

Published 10:20 am Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Arthur Jennings “A.J.” Walker Jr. passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at the age of 92. 

A.J. was born on March 17, 1931 in Charlotte Court House, to Arthur Jennings Walker Sr. and Effie Anderson Brandon Walker. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Paulett Bradner Walker. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Phyllis Hamilton Walker; his sister, Elaine Walker Newcomb of Randolph; his daughter, Julie Walker Riggan and son-in-law, Jerry Riggan of Glen Allen, and granddaughters: Emily Riggan of Columbus, Ohio, and Kelly Riggan of Richmond. 

A.J. served six years in the U.S. Navy and was a Veteran of the Korean War serving on the ammunition ship USS Diamond Head. He also ran radar for the Blue Angels while stationed in Chicago. 

After working in the tobacco industry for 40 years, he retired from Export Leaf Tobacco Company where he was a leaf-buying supervisor. He was a graduate of the Chelwood Management School in London, England. He traveled extensively with the company in Europe and South America. 

A.J. was a member of the Farmville Masonic Lodge for 63 years, Woodmen of the World and VFW Post 7059 in Farmville. He was a member of Farmville United Methodist Church. 

He had a passion for gardening and enjoyed sharing his roses with family and friends. A.J. also enjoyed playing golf with his “buddies” in his senior golf league. 

A memorial service was held on Monday, Dec. 18, at Puckett Funeral Home at 2 p.m.. Family received friends prior to the service from 1 – 2 p.m. Interment followed in Westview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Prince Edward County Rescue Squad.