Mr. Clinton Walker

Clinton L. Walker was born on February 20, 1947 in Birmingham, Alabama to Milton and Doris Walker. Clint, was educated in Louisville, Kentucky and was a star running back for Trinity High School earning All State and All City honors while being the only African American in his graduating class. Clint also played on the basketball and track teams. His athletic skills earned him a “full ride” football scholarship to Morehead State University and he also participated in track and field. Clint graduated in December of 1970 with a Bachelor of Science degree in health and physical education. A few weeks prior to graduation he received his first title – husband, to Carol Surratt. Immediately upon graduation he began his teaching and coaching career in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. He only worked there one semester but he left his mark by providing the school with their first regional track and field trophy while using a unique strategy with only 6 participants. He was recruited by his former high school coach to come to the perennial football powerhouse -- Louisville Dupont Manual. He also coached basketball and track and was proud to win a state championship in 1975. Being the youngest member of the staff many of his players held him in high esteem and looked to him as father figure. In July of 1974 he reached another milestone adding another title - proud father to Cara Nicole. During that same time the title of “Brother” was added as a result of officially becoming a member of the graduate chapter of the Louisville Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Clint hoped to have had the title Charter member of Zeta Lambda but he graduated before the chapter was established. His teaching career ended when he was recruited to return to his alma mater as a graduate assistant. When people asked him where he went to college and didn’t know where Morehead State University was located he proudly would ask if they had heard of Phil Sims who played with the New York Giants whom he had the opportunity to coach. Clint did not complete his Masters degree because he was recruited by the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center to become an Event Coordinator. This position required countless hours, and never a dull moment coordinating many concerts, sporting events (especially University of Louisville football and basketball games, trade shows, horse shows, the State Fair and other events too numerous to mention. In June of 1979 Clint headed north to become the Assistant Director of the Lansing Civic Center. Living in Lansing was short-lived but he was very excited about expanding his family with the birth of his son, Clinton Lamar. While in Lansing one of his players that he had coached in Louisville, running back Steve Smith became a Spartan. Steve would have a home away from home with Coach Walker and appreciated the home cooked meals and quality time with “Coach”. The family enjoyed the nostalgia of regularly watching Big Ten football. In May of 1980, Clint became the assistant manager of the Grand Center in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. Managing the Grand Center was truly grand for Clint because it was the first time he was involved with opening a brand new facility. He even had the opportunity to give a talk to arena managers all over the country about what it was like to entertain three presidents. One of the highlights of his career was the airing of the Bob Hope Show where he personally hosted President George Bush, Sr., Ronald Reagan and Wendell Ford. Once again the change of address brought another family member, his youngest daughter Candice. It was while living in Grand Rapids that Clint converted from Catholicism to Methodism at First Community AME under the pastorate of Rev. Lyman Parks. While in Grand Rapids, Clint also put his coaching skills into action. His daughter, Nicki would compete in cross country and many AAU competitions throughout the state. Qualifying for competition in Hershey, Pennsylvania and the nationals was a proud moment for her coach. Another proud moment for Clint was when she won the State long jump in her junior year and the establishing of a long jump record while at Arthur Hill that was long standing. Clint had a high school high jump record that withstood over a decade of time. As life would have it, the family went on the road again and Clint established residency in Saginaw, Michigan. On January 15, 1987 he became the Director of the Saginaw Civic Center. In the summer of 1996 he was afforded the opportunity to become the Facilitator of the Skeet Shooting events for the Olympics in Atlanta. Clint became an integral part of the Saginaw community, he was a member of the Friendship Board, the Saginaw Sunrise Optimist Club, PRIDE, and Life Member of the NAACP. When the City of Saginaw decided to close the Saginaw Civic Center, Clint decided to end his career and retired early in May of 2001. Once he took a much needed rest, Clint decided to become a substitute teacher for the Saginaw School District. He accepted these assignments with a great deal of pride and students were surprised that he came prepared with the intent that learning would continue. He would baulk when teachers didn’t have lesson plans and he had a reputation of being a strict disciplinarian. Also during retirement, when Carol was laid off from Xerox, the two began to travel. This is when their annual trek to the Final Four began which they loved. It was time for them to reunite with college classmates. Countless hours were spent going down memory lane, telling lies, and golfing (until his health failed). Traveling with the grands in the motorhome helped to establish special lifelong memories going to various destinations. Tailgating was a fun time for all. Truly Clint received the title the best Grandad according to his grandchildren. He was coach, encourager, supporter, tutor, cook and limo driver. Just recently his 5 year old great grand referred to him as his best friend. Clint loved his church and church family. He was a member of the Personnel Committee, Trustee Board, Courtesy Ministry, Men of Bethel, a Class Leader, and Transportation Ministry and served as Chairman of the Credit Union Board. Probably his most notable accomplishment was his chairing Men’s Day on several occasions...he had an uncanny way of rallying the men’s support. His competitive juices really flowed when he and his wife served as Men and Women’s Day chairs. He also had passion for his fraternity. Clint was a Life Member and served as Chaplain, Treasurer, Secretary, and Vice President for the Saginaw Alumni Chapter. He proudly served as the president during the chapter’s 40th year anniversary. He worked tirelessly to reenergize the bond. He was very proud of being instrumental in the chapter’s receiving the Award for the Small Chapter of the Year on several occasions. On March 3rd, after completing all his roles and titles, he gained his wings!! Clint will be sadly missed by his wife Carol; children, Cara “Nicki” Nicole, Clinton Lamar, and Candice; his grandchildren LyDell and Nicole Simon, Kaleah and Nylia Walker, and Sheri Sweeney and great-grandson LyDell Simon Jr.; brother, Charles Walker; step-brother Steven Gibson (Cynthia) and step-sisters Mona Robertson and Wilma Lyons; nephew Michael Walker, niece Johnnetta Walker; goddaughter Crystal Armstrong; godsons Brian Pruitt, Michael, Marcus and Austin Finney and host of other relatives and friends. Clint was preceded in death by his parents, Milton Walker and Doris Walker Norrington, and niece Michelle Walker Towns. The family of Clinton Walker would like to express special thanks to Covenant Hospital and Covenant Rehab Staff and the Bethel AME family. Family hour will take place at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 10, 2016 Bethel A. M. E. Church, 535 Cathay Street, with funeral service commencing at 11:00 a.m. Pastor P. David Saunders officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 9, 2016, 2-8 p.m. at Bethel A.M.E. Church. Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens, 3250 Versaille Road, Frankfort, KY 40601 on Saturday, March 19, 2016.

Mr. Clinton Walker

February 20, 1947 - March 3, 2016