The Rev. Harry Suttle Walker, 76, of 943 Padgett Road in Shelby, died on Sunday, March 13, 2011 at Cleveland Medical Center in Lincolnton.  A native of Rutherford County, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Luther Suttle and Ruth Esther Walker.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Joe Ed Walker, and by a son-in-law, Dennis Melton.  He was a member of Sandy Plains Baptist Church.  He was a graduate of Wake Forest University and received his Ph.D from the University of Hawaii at Hilo.  He was retired as a Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor and Chaplain.

Mr. Walker is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Della Walker of the home; a son, Jeff Walker and wife Susie of Forest City, NC; two daughters, Cheryl Shew of Rutherfordton, NC and Sheila Melton of Shelby, NC; 9 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; a number of loving nieces, nephews, brother-in-laws and sister-in laws.

A funeral service will be at 11:00am on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at Sandy Plains Baptist Church with the Rev. Garin Hill and the Rev. Don McSwain officiating.  Burial will be immediately following in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5:30 – 7:00pm on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home is serving the family of Rev. Walker.

Guest Registry is available at

www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com