George Walker Obituary

George Walker, Jr.
Idlewild Michigan
July 6, 2025
George Walker, Jr. was born in Dublin, Georgia on February 16, 1943 and departed this life on July 6, 2025 in his Idlewild home.
George completed his education through the Detroit Public School system and began his Detroit Edison career in 1966 digging trenches. He became one of the first of six (6) Black men to rise from Apprentice Lineman to Journeyman Lineman. From there, he dealt with the racial injustices that only proved to empower him to aim for and become a Field Foreman-Supervisor. George retired from Detroit Edison in 2001 and moved with his wife, Geraldine S. (Jerry) Walker, to Idlewild, Michigan, into the home they built in 1999.
In 2008, George was elected Supervisor of Yates Township in Lake County and held that position until 2012. He was instrumental in the dedication of five Historical Markers in Idlewild, Michigan, which is now listed on the National Register of Historical Places. In 2008, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm established the Idlewild Centennial Commission to commemorate Idlewild's 100-year anniversary. She installed George Walker as Yates Supervisor on the Commission.
George completed Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Projects, along with a Blight Removal Project and a Master Plan, while working with a range of local, state and Federal partners. He worked with prior Supervisor Donel Brown to establish a new public park on Idlewild Lake. The Henrietta Summers Senior Center remodeling began and was completed under George's supervision and direction.
A private memorial will be held to commemorate George's life and legacy.