Lt. Col. Walter Jimmie McEver

Ltc. (Ret.) Walter Jimmie McEver of Kennesaw, Ga., formerly of Macon, GA , died on August 2, 2008, of complications due to Alzheimer's. He was born on February 4, 1927 in Thomasville, Ga. He grew up attending school in Moultrie, Ga. and graduated from Lanier High School in Macon, Ga. in June, 1944. He enlisted in the United States Army in January, 1945, and he attended the Aviation Electricians' Mate School at the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Jacksonville, Fla. Upon completion he was sent to Pearl Harbor where he remained until his discharge in August, 1946. Returning to civilian life, he attended North Georgia College in Dahlonega, Ga. and graduated in 1950. After college, he worked as a sales rep. for United States Tobacco Co. until being called to active duty in May, 1951. He received his commission through the Reserve Officers' Training Corp. program and served his country for over 20 years. During his tour in Korea, he served with the 45th Division Aviation Co. and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and seven awards of the Air Medal. While serving as an aircraft commander of a Chinook helicopter in Viet Nam, he received the Distinguished Flymg Cross award for heroism in combat. After he retired from the Army, he went to work for the Federal Aviation Administration and worked at the Lewis B. Wilson airport in Macon,. Ga. for almost 20 years. He was a loving and devoted husband and father and a dear friend to all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Patricia George McEver; two daughters, Lisa Marie McEver and Laura Jean McEver; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Virgle W. McEver; his brother, Dr. Virgle W. McEver II: and his sister, Versa M. Shepherd. Survivors include daughters, Dr. Lynn Hunnicutt of Sugar Hill; Jane Baker and her husband, David A. of Buford; Janice Chupka and her husband Dr. Paul, of Virginia Beach, VA; Judy Davis and her husband Bill of Kennesaw, two sisters, Vivian Key of Gainesville, GA and Amy McEver of Warner Robins, GA; and seven grandchildren: Brian Hunnicutt, Patrick Baker, Eric Baker, Blake Chupka. Jacob Chupka, Makayla Chupka, and Patrick Davis. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 6, 2008, in Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home Chapel, Marietta. Interment will follow in Marietta National Cemetery, with full military honors. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association, 1925 Century Blvd., Suite 10, Atlanta, GA 30345.