Birthdays: Lee Roy Walker, 1989, Winn Parish, LA. Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483 ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** From: March 29, 1989 Winn Parish Enterprise News-American 102 Years, Walker Celebrates Birthday by June Rohr, Enterprise News Editor When the first automobiles were available for purchase in 1903, Lee Roy Walker was already 16 years old. At 102, there isn't much that he hasn't seen. Strangely enough, the worst thing he's able to say when comparing the old days to the present is, "I don't think it's as good now as it was then." That comment says a great deal about Lee Walker. A smile is etched onto his face but his skin remains remarkably smooth for a 102 year old man. His body may feel each of his years but his wit remains sharp. Few people anywhere have his ability to look at life and keep laughing. His life hasn't been without its troubles, however. Walker's first wife had health problems that required living in an arid climate. They moved to Arizona where they spent several very happy years before her death. "I remember her asking me to take off form work one day just to go on an outing with the family," Walker said. "I'd never done anything like that before but she wanted it and I agreed." "We went to the mountains, the whole family. It was one of the best days of my entire life. That evening when we returned home, my wife and I were sitting on the front porch marveling over the wonderful day we had shared." After a moment of silence, Walker continued, "That evening she passed away, sitting right next to me on the porch. I've always been thankful that we had that day together. It made her so happy." Fourteen years later, Walker married Pearlie Johns from Sikes. "We practically grew up together," said Pearlie, "even if he was a bit older than me." They went to apply for their license on March 9, 1936. At that time, the Jackson Parish Courthouse had been destroyed by an explosion and marriage licenses were kept at the Jonesboro Bank. It was harder to track down a doctor and a Justice of the Peace in those days according to the Walkers. "We got married in the back seat of a Chevrolet car," said Mrs. Walker. "Lee had to get a physical before he could get the marriage license. By some stroke of luck, he managed to find both a doctor and a justice of the peace. I was a little shocked when he brought the J. P. to the car and announced we were getting married right then, but I've never regretted it." Walker retired at the age of 62 from the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway System on May 14, 1949 after spending 26 years and 7 months as a section foreman in Arizona and California. They returned to Dodson and have lived there since. Of his seven children, only two are living today. Walker has, as far as he knows, 18 grandchildren, 54 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. On the event of his 102nd birthday, friends, neighbors, and relatives dropped by or called to wish him well. Everyone had much the same to say about him. No one can ever remember seeing him angry. He has always remained a steady influence on others, refusing to engage in arguments. He claims that Pearlie has never fussed at him or scolded him during their 53 years of marriage, and one look at his face is proof that this is true. "I don't know how I got so lucky," he mused. "I've lead a nice clean life and I had a good job. I also had the good fortune to marry two of the best women God put on this earth. If I have to credit to anything for my long life, that would be it."