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Few Arkansans can match the generosity of Willard J. Walker, who died Feb. 22 of congestive heart failure.
The former Wal-Mart executive became one of the state’s best-known philanthropists and a major source of funding for health and education causes through the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Trust that he set up with his wife.
Like countless others hired by Sam Walton, Walker gained his wealth by becoming a major stockholder in the company. But unlike so many, Walker gave away millions of dollars to learning institutions, leaving a legacy that will remain.
Look around the state — the University of Arkansas, John Brown University, NorthWest Arkansas Com-munity College, University of the Ozarks and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences — and you will find his name on numerous facilities. And he also gave to hospitals, schools, libraries, churches and other groups.
Springdale Mayor Jerre Van Hoose said it well: “Our entire state has been made better place to live, work and educate our kids because he lived and gave so generously.”
Friends said Willard Walker will perhaps be best remembered for his ability to remain humble despite his financial success.
The shy millionaire with the generous heart is gone, but because of the great gifts he left behind, he will never be forgotten.
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