GMS Principal Walker dies in accident

Bobcat's Corner, News
Principal Larry Walker offers flowers to Shannon Goble as he announces her as Teacher of the Year.

ELLIJAY, Ga – Gilmer students and staff are waking to awful news this morning as reports are coming in about a tragedy involving Gilmer Middle School Principal Larry Walker.

The news came late in the night as Gilmer County Schools Superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs says she alerted her administration and the schools. Making the news public, the schools are already preparing a welcoming of those in need as they make available counselors and ministers today at 2 p.m. An official statement from the school is as follows:

It is with the heaviest of hearts and many prayers that we make our community aware of the passing of beloved Gilmer Middle School Principal, Larry Walker, following a tragic accident late yesterday. We wake this morning deeply saddened and shocked. Our district is in the process of making arrangements for counselors and our local ministry to help our staff and students in this time of great sadness. The Gilmer Middle School Gym will be open today at 2:00 with counselors and members of our local ministry available.

His death comes from an accident involving a tractor. As the family makes preparations, the school system is in mourning as they await further details.

35 Comments

  1. olean sutton September 16, 2018 at 10:24 am

    So sorry for your lost. May God be with the family, friends, staff and students.

    • Julie guinn September 17, 2018 at 5:29 am

      My heart was broken to hear of. Mr Walker’s accident
      My daughter had him in 5&6 grade as her principle
      Whal a great man he is
      Mr Walker you are greatly missed
      We will see you again
      You have so many that love you!!!

  2. Michael anderson September 16, 2018 at 10:58 am

    Larry walker was my 6th and 7th grade teacher….i pay my respects.

  3. Gary and Rhonda Barnes September 16, 2018 at 10:58 am

    So sorry to hear this our prayers are with all the family, students faculty and staff!!

  4. Holly Davis September 16, 2018 at 11:17 am

    Such a terrible tragedy at the loss of another Gilmer County Schools administrator. My heart and prayers go out to the GCS community and to his loving family. Rest In Peace Larry Walker.

  5. Contesa September 16, 2018 at 11:27 am

    This is hard to believe so say sorry for The lost an praying for y’all he helped me alot when I was School such a wonderful man

  6. Danny and Libby Banks September 16, 2018 at 11:27 am

    So sorry for family prayers going out for everyone

  7. Doris Wise (Kelly) September 16, 2018 at 11:28 am

    My thoughts and prayers to the family, staff and students at GMS. What a great man!! Loved the kids, staff and the Lord.

  8. Shirley Tipton September 16, 2018 at 11:31 am

    I’m so saddened to hear hear this terrible news. My heart is broken for the Walker family and Gilmer County School System.

  9. Jami watts September 16, 2018 at 12:26 pm

    A person that will be sorely missed by all. Prayers for his family..

  10. Vickie reece September 16, 2018 at 12:56 pm

    I’m so sorry. He was a good man sorry for family.

  11. Kim & Hayden Quiett September 16, 2018 at 1:10 pm

    Such a shock to get the news of Mr. Larry Walker’s accident and passing. Such a Sad day. Prayers for his family, the school systems administration, teachers and students who loved and respected him. His loss is already being felt in Gilmer County.

  12. Geraldine Petkus September 16, 2018 at 1:13 pm

    Prayers for the family he will be missed

  13. Beth McAvoy September 16, 2018 at 1:17 pm

    Will always be thankful for the guidance and support he gave. Mr. Walker was a positive influence to my son (Adam Chandler) during his Middle School years. We remember him fondly and his lessons have been carried on.
    My heartfelt prayers for the family during this time..
    God bless you “Mr. Walker”,
    Your legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all the children you worked with.❤

  14. Regina Morgan September 16, 2018 at 1:19 pm

    Such a terrible tragedy. Prayers for everyone.

  15. Niki Welchel September 16, 2018 at 1:39 pm

    My thoughts and prayers go out for Mr Walkers family. He was one of the best principals I ever had the privilege of knowing and working for. I was fortunate to drive for him on many occasions and trips and I know he was loved by ALL of us, staff and students. RIP Larry

  16. Denise Hampton-Krause September 16, 2018 at 2:04 pm

    So sorry to hear. Larry was sweet and good person.. 🙁

  17. Synthia September 16, 2018 at 2:10 pm

    So sorry. Prayers for Larry’s family and friends. GMS won’t be the same without you.

  18. Crystal Long September 16, 2018 at 2:23 pm

    Heart breaking news. Mr. Walker was an amazing man who loved his job, the students, his family and God. My son was heartbroken when I sat him down and told him about the accident and his passing. Sending a multitude of prayers for the faculty, students and most of all his amazing family. He is truly missed.

  19. Mark September 16, 2018 at 2:33 pm

    A sad day and a great loss for not only to the family but to the family of Gilmer County schools. He will be sadly missed by all

  20. Jim September 16, 2018 at 3:30 pm

    When will the funeral be? Does anyone know?

  21. Letisha Hooper September 16, 2018 at 3:36 pm

    R.I.P mr walker he was my 6th 7th 8th grade teacher @gms prays for the family

  22. BKurczewski September 16, 2018 at 4:01 pm

    I am so sorry to all the Gilmer Family, the Walker Friends and Family.
    My condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
    God Bless.
    ~Manitoba, Canada.

  23. Alice M Ellis September 16, 2018 at 4:31 pm

    I’m so sorry for the family and the children’s loss. I have known Larry many years. He will be sadly missed by many.

  24. Kade miller September 16, 2018 at 4:35 pm

    Larry walker is and was my 5/6th grade principal. He was a very kind and respectful man and would help anyone in need. I give prayers for the family and friends of this wonderful man.

  25. Chris and Brooke Berry September 16, 2018 at 5:12 pm

    What a great loss for such a great guy!! He has for sure had a positive influence in many many ways in our community and schools. We can only strive to carry it on and be there for his sweet family.

  26. P. Scroggs September 16, 2018 at 5:24 pm

    Being in Ellijay only a few years, I did not have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Walker. But, I can say he was so loved by the students and teachers of Gilmer County Schools. Just the mention of Mr. Walker’s name and you heard what a kind, respectful, and fun principal he was. There was always a story. He will be greatly missed, I pray for his family.

  27. Holly September 16, 2018 at 7:04 pm

    This breaks my heart I have always loved him had a big crush on him in middle school he was a teacher tho when I was in school he was never my teacher but I always thought the world of him I will send my condolences to His wife Robin and there girls

  28. Steven Hyde September 16, 2018 at 10:22 pm

    I taught with Mr. Walker a few years at GMS. He mentored me as a rookie and many years thereafter. He will be greatly missed. He was kind, consistent, and let his Light ever so shine. He lived his legacy, and we’d do well to do as he did. Blessings.

  29. Catrina September 16, 2018 at 10:50 pm

    He will be missed. He was my son’s principle and I had the pleasure of subbing under him several times. Always asked me how I was. My son played football and he was always so supportive of their team. He even threw them a rally for making it to the Super Bowl. The ball that is in the case at gms is because he wanted the boys to have a special spot in the case for their achievement. He made them feel so important. I have also seen him in tne stands at CCMS watching their games and cheering them on. He truly loved his kids..even if it meant being strict on them. My son loved him and had great respect for him. Now heaven gets to have him. We will see you again one day! R.I.P..

  30. Leslie Barnard-Keith September 16, 2018 at 10:56 pm

    My prayers and thoughts go out to the Walker family at this time. I grew up with Larry and we had good times riding the bus home together after school..I will remember him for making me laugh and smile..

  31. Lisa West September 16, 2018 at 11:51 pm

    Prayers for his Sweet Mother Mary and for the Family. With love. Pat & Lisa West.

  32. shirley kendrick September 17, 2018 at 9:15 am

    Very sorry to hear of his passing. I didnt know him very well in the years he was a teacher but i did know his wife Robin, she was a great Spanish teacher when i went to GMS. I moved to NC almost 12 years ago and never knew he became a principal. Sending Many Prayers to the Family and Students.

  33. Albertina pablo lopez September 17, 2018 at 7:20 pm

    I am so sorry for what happened Mr.Walker was a good man he was very nice to me.He was my principle for 5 and 6 i am now in 7 grde,and he is the one who helped me when he said something important and i would always follow his rule i was a good and bad girl but i can always remember when he would come to the classroom and say “good morning ” the last time i saw him was when it was the last friday. GOD BLESS . I will help for prayers and for yalls family . Please try to stay stong.

  34. Amelia Ayala - Bismarck ND September 20, 2018 at 1:51 pm

    RIP Mr. Walker you are going to be miss by so many , your lovely soul , always a kind word to anyone who need it
    you were always nice to me and my children, Thank you !!
    Hugs , kisses and prayers for Mrs. Walker and the Girls , Thinking of you on this day and Believe me I know what you going thru .

Leave a comment

Back to Top