George Melvin Walker

December 1, 1938 - September 4, 2019

George Melvin Walker, born on December 1, 1938, transitioned from earth to Glory on September 4, 2019, after a long extended illness. A lifetime resident of Rochester, he was the son of the late Samuel M. and Florence Cross Walker. A steelworker for 30 years at PB&I Industries (North Rochester), he also served as a counselor with Drug and Alcohol Services (Vanport) and Gateway Rehabilitation Center (Center), retiring in 2016. George was a faithful member of Second Baptist Church (Rochester), serving as a chairman of the Deacon’s Board, the Male Chorus, chairman of Men’s Day and a Sunday School Teacher. He also served as the moderator for the Allegheny Union Baptist Association (AUBA); president of the Ministers Layman Alliance of Beaver County and a devoted member of Gideon’s International. He was president of the Rochester Council, later serving as Mayor of Rochester and a board member of the Rochester Public Library and Beaver County Head Start Program. George was a “friend of Bill W.” He served his country in the United States Marine Corp. Reserves. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Judith A. Young Walker, in 2004, and his second wife, Ethel Carlotta Smith Walker, in 2018. He was also preceded in death by four sisters, Anna Mae Barr, Vivian Crawford, Dorothy Jean Fisher and Mary C. Felton; two brothers, Samuel M. and David J. Walker. He is survived by two daughters, Lorraine G. Walker of Rochester, and Joy Walker Napper. (Alfred Napper) of Baltimore, Maryland; sister, Florence Cuspard-Lott of Bridgewater; stepdaughters, LaRhonda Smith of Van Nuys, California and Cherise Smith (Rick Earl) of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren, Natalie Harvey, Jonathan Harvey and Stephen Harvey (Kellie Harvey); step grandson, Sterling Smith and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of beloved friends. Friends and family will be received at Second Baptist Church (200 Clay Street, Rochester, PA) on Monday, September 9, 2019, from 3 to 7 p.m. and Tuesday, September 10, 2019, from 10 to 11 a.m., immediately followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. Officiating will be his Pastor, Rev. Bryan Crawl. Interment will follow at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, Rochester. Arrangements are entrusted to WILLIAM MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, INC., 349 Adams Street Rochester, PA, 15074. Following the funeral services, the Beaver County Special Unit will provide Full Military Honors at 1 p.m. at Sylvania Hills Mausoleum Chapel. If desired, memorial contributions can be made to the Second Baptist Church Capital Campaign Fund - PO Box 305, Rochester, PA 15074.