01/13/14 - NNHS Newsletter

I am so sick and out of it, this is the only possible theme we can use today. I ache all over, I cannot think straight, my eyes can't see straight, and I'd still be in bed, but important news is piling up, and I need to tell you.

1. I was deeply grieved to receive word of the death January 11 of our beloved band director,

Mr. James P. Wilson.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to his daughter, Stephanie Wilson Vassar at swvassar@verizon.net, and to his wife, Barbara at 4658 Brink Road, Emporia, VA 23847.

2. From Charlie Phillips ('65) of TN - 01/13/14, 7:41 AM - "Death of David E. Walker Coach National Hall of Famer":

Hi Carol,

Coach David Walker of ETSU passed away on 1/11/14. He coached me, Bill Schroding ('65), Jim Bull ('64), Harry Barritt ('64), Wayne Frizzell ('65) of MD, and the late Steve Sparkman ('63) (01 Feb 1944 - 04 Feb 1999), all NNHS Track guys. A great man and mentor. Please see Johnson City Press David Walker passing away after 50 years coaching. Thought you might mention in your newsletter.

Thanks, Charlie

Obituary for David E. Walker

David E. Walker, who served as Track and Field and Cross Country coach at East Tennessee State University for 50 years, died Saturday, January 11, 2014 at Johnson City Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Massena, New York, he was the son of the late Oswald W. and Rose Egly Walker. His sister, Joan Walker LeClair, also predeceased him. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Cecilia (Susie) Walker, of the home, daughter Cindy Rose of Fairfield, CA, son David E. Walker, Jr. of Winter Springs, FL and several nieces and nephews.

Coach Walker was a graduate of East Tennessee State University, earning his Bachelor’s degree in 1958 and his Master’s degree in 1963. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War era and played in the National Football League for the Baltimore Colts and Cleveland Browns. Some of the significant achievements of his career include his induction into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, ETSU Hall of Fame, US Track and Field Coaches’ Association Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the NCAA Track and Field Rules Committee for ten years, serving as its Chair for five of them. Coach was the founder and director of the East Tennessee Indoor Invitational Track and Field meet, now known as the Niswonger Indoor Invitational Track and Field meet. Coach Walker was a mentor and friend to his former athletes, fellow coaches and track and field officials. He played a significant role in the lives of so many people.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the ETSU Track and Field program, P.O. Box 70707, Johnson City, TN 37614 or the American Cancer Society, 508 Princeton Road, Johnson City, TN 37601. Honorary pallbearers will be Coach Walker’s former ETSU athletes.

The family requests the honor of your presence at a Celebration of Life Service for Coach Walker on Thursday, January 16, 2014 at 7:30PM at Tetrick Funeral & Cremation Services, Johnson City. The family will greet friends to share memories from 1:00PM to 2:30PM and again at 6:00PM until the service hour at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family and viewed at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Arrangements for the Walker family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral & Cremation Services, 3001 Peoples St., Johnson City, TN 37604. (423) 610-7171.

Oh, Charlie, I'm so sorry to hear this! Thank you for letting us know. You and your teammates have my sincerest condolences on the passing of your mentor!

1. From Phil Hammond ('64) of FL - 01/10/14 - " Sylvia (Hall Hammond - '66) health update":

2. Word has reached us that Jacque Ray Fisher ('66) of NC had an emergency appendectomy this week - her appendix had been ruptured for two or three days! - and then had even further complications when they were unable to awaken her after the surgery. Please keep her in your prayers.

3. My #1 Son, Lewis Harty (Hillsboro HS, MO / Hillsboro HS, IL - '89) of IL had knee surgery on January 8 to repair a torn meniscus - the third of our six sons to undergo a similar operation in a 12-month period. He's doing well, but will be off work for two to six weeks, and would appreciate your prayers. (So would we! )

4. My #2 Son, Brent Harty (Hillsboro HS, IL - '90) of AL had abdominal surgery on January 2. It was supposed to have been an outpatient procedure to repair a hernia, and possibly to clean up a bit of scar tissue which had formed over his intestines in the years following his splenectomy back in 1995. What they found was that the adhesions were far more extensive than they had imagined. The hernia repair turned into the more minor of the surgeries, and they kept him over a night or two to monitor his recovery.

Suddenly last night he was back in the emergency room in horrendous pain fearing an intestinal blockage. Xrays were inconclusive as to whether it was that or severe gastrointestinal flu, so they once again admitted him for a day or two. While we are worried about his health, he is also concerned that if he misses too much time he will be recycled from his class which would then affect his report date and possibly even his next duty station. He and his family would definitely be most grateful for your prayers.

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS:
Happy Birthday today to My Grandson, Hunter Huber of AL!