Lawrence Ellis Walker Sr.

April 16, 1945 - November 14, 2017

LAWRENCE ELLIS WALKER SR. passed away Tuesday at his home. Having been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer over twenty-one months ago, he was an amazing inspiration to everyone he came in contact with over this period of time. He was 72 years old. “Larry” was a Millville resident during his childhood through high school where he graduated in 1963. After his marriage to Carolyn, his wife of 51 years, he lived in Mauricetown for five years before moving to Dorchester, his dream home on the banks of the Maurice River, for the rest of his life. He had been under the loving services of Inspira/Bayada Hospice since August. Larry spent every Sunday morning at Dorchester UMC where he served on the Church Council, was a member of the Trustees, the choir and frequently did volunteer maintenance work. Friday nights were shared with the “Church League” at the bowling alley for several decades. He was a 50-year-member of Plumbers and Pipefitter’s Union Local 322. He earned the friendship and respect of his co-workers. He had the ability to figure out almost any mechanical problem. He was always willing to help out with “brain surgery” over the phone with plumbing and heating problems. Larry was a dedicated duck hunter. Until the fall, he had never missed the opening day of the season since he was 10 years old. Larry collected decoys and made many friends seeking, finding, trading and selling them. He was a member of the New Jersey Wildfowlers, the New Jersey Decoy Collectors’ Association and Ducks Unlimited. He was predeceased by his parents, George “Ellis” and Doris Walker of Laurel Lake. He is survived by his wife Carolyn, children Lawrence Jr. of Florida, George Walker (Herold Olsen) and Emily Bruley (Robert) of Dorchester, and Elizabeth Figueroa (Frank) of Millville, six grandchildren, Alyssa Harwas, Benjamin and Blake Walker, Jack and Corbin Bruley and Frank “LJ” Figueroa. He is also survived by his sister, Susan (Bill) Jozefyk of Laurel Lake and cousin, Lewis (Joyce) Ferguson of Stone Harbor. Instead of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Mission Fund at Dorchester UMC P.O. Box 555 Dorchester, NJ 08316. All contributions will be given to South Jersey organizations helping the less fortunate at the direction of the family within two months of receipt. A viewing will be held at the church 453 Main Street in Dorchester on Friday night from 6:30 until 8:30 PM and on Saturday from 9:30 until 11:00 AM. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 with Rev. Raymond Schmeling officiating. To email condolences and or tributes please visit www.hoffmanfuneralhomes.net