Hallam Walker ’43 *52

Hallam “Hocky” Walker of Davidson, N.C., died Jan. 12, 2012, from Parkinson’s disease. 

Born May 23, 1921, in Newark, N.J., he graduated from Columbia High School in his hometown of Maplewood, N.J. He graduated magna cum laude from Princeton, where he joined Cloister Inn, and served in the Navy during World War II as a lieutenant junior grade.

Hocky earned a Ph.D. in French literature at Princeton in 1952. He enjoyed a distinguished career as a French professor at Washington & Lee University (one year), Duke University (10 years), and ultimately Davidson College (20 years), from which he retired in 1985 after chairing the French department.

An avid sailor, Hocky was commodore of Lake Norman Yacht Club and the South Atlantic Yacht Racing Association. He coached Davidson and Duke sailing teams. Other interests included the Boy Scouts, skiing, hiking, and volunteering at the Carolina Raptor Center and Habitat for Humanity.

Hocky is survived by his wife, Catherine Niemitz Walker; his daughter, Susan E. Walker *83; daughter-in-law Joanne Walker; and four grandchildren. His son Steven predeceased him.