Decorated Naval Officer and Alexandria Community Leader, Richard “Dick” Walker Jr., Dies at 91
ALEXANDRIA, VA – Richard Clyde “Dick” Walker Jr., 91, of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 22, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Richard was born on September 25, 1933, to Richard Clyde Walker and Mary Elizabeth Alexander Walker in Lenoir City, Tennessee. He grew up in rural Tennessee and North Carolina before moving to Colorado, following his father’s return from Europe after the war. In 1950, after graduating from Pueblo High School, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Navy.
Richard served 21 years in the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander. During his naval career, Richard was recognized with the Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal (1 Star), United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal (3 Stars), Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
After retiring from the U.S. Navy in 1971, Richard brought his family to Northern Virginia, first settling in the Rose Hill area of Alexandria and later in Annandale. Many years on, he and his beloved wife, Doreen, were among the first to make Cameron Station their home.
Richard began his second career as an independent insurance agent and purchased Pulman Insurance Agency on Duke Street in 1981. Richard was active in the Cub and Boy Scouts, the Civitan Club, the local Chamber of Commerce, and Senior Services of Alexandria, among others.
While his professional accomplishments were many, Richard’s greatest joy was his family. He was the beloved husband of Doreen for 71 years. Together, they raised three sons: Doug, John, and Richard. He taught his children the value of hard work and supported them unconditionally in all their endeavors.
He was a proud grandfather to Alex, Melissa, and Andrew Walker, and five great-grandchildren. He loved and cherished spending time with all of them.
After selling his insurance agency, Richard and Doreen moved to Sun City Center, Florida, where Richard was active in the neighborhood watch program, volunteered at the community woodworking center, and earned his sport pilot license at age 76. He and Doreen enjoyed taking cruises to many parts of the world.
Richard is survived by his brother, Gerald A. Walker of Valley Center, CA; wife, Doreen P. Walker of Lexington, KY; his children, Douglas D. Walker (Jeanne) of Nicholasville, KY; John M. Walker (Kate) of Alexandria, VA; and Richard S. Walker of San Francisco, CA; his grandchildren, Alexander D. Walker (Heather), Melissa R. Hernandez (Lorenzo), and Andrew P. Walker (Courtney); along with five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Richard C. Walker, and mother, Mary Elizabeth Alexander Walker.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
