PALM COAST, FL – Walker Randolph Modlin, 78, passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at his home in Palm Coast, Florida. He was born on June 9, 1934 in Ahoskie, N.C. to Fletcher Hilton Modlin and Mary Callis Modlin.

As a child, Walker lived in Plymouth, NC and graduated from Ahoskie High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF) and received training to become a pilot.  During his Air Force career, he flew various types of aircraft and received numerous awards and medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and The Purple Heart.  The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Air Force never left him, as friends and family will attest.

After being honorably discharged from the USAF, he continued his love for flying by working with the Alabama Forestry Commission monitoring wildfires from the air.  Upon retirement, Walker traveled for several years throughout the continental United States in his motor home. He lived a few years in Holenwald, Tennessee before relocating to Florida.

Walker is survived by his daughter, Lisa Renee Modlin of Palm Coast; granddaughter, Jessica Alexandra Orr; sisters, Margaret Wise of Williamston, NC, Lisa Collins of Florida, Stephenie Viohl of Myrtle Beach, SC and Susan Walters of Southern Shores, NC; brothers, James Russell Modlin of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee and Steve Modlin of Chesapeake, Virginia; a special friend and brother-in-law Lee Collins of Palm Coast; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by a daughter, Randi Lynn Modlin.

Walker’s final resting place will be in the Modlin family plot in Ahoskie. At his request, he was cremated and his ashes will be buried next to his father.  A graveside memorial service with full military honors will be held at the Ahoskie Cemetery, First Street in Ahoskie, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, 2013.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Services in Ahoskie is serving the family.

“Off we go into the wild sky yonder,

Keep the wings level and true”

Rest in Peace and Godspeed.