Brother Lawrence Craig Walls Sr. was the oldest of 13 siblings. He was born on November 5, 1944 to the late William Conway Walls and the late Wilma Frazier Tippett, in Little Rock, AK. At the age of 9 years old Craig went to live with close family friends, Preston and Nora Dooms. He called them "Big Mama" and "Big Daddy". They lived in Batesville, Arkansas where he received his secondary education, and also received numerous trophies as a member of the basketball team.
After graduation from high school, he relocated to Los Angeles, California where he studied photography in college, and later met and married the former Rosia Mary Roberts. Craig became the proud father of one son, Lawrence Craig Walls Jr. and three beautiful daughters, Lavetta Maria, Kisha Lashawn, & Chandra Marie. Craig was also a father to Kathy Madison and Kevin Tooks.
In 1966 Craig was drafted into the U.S. Army, and served in Ft. Ord for basic training. He then served in Ft. Lee for advanced training where his MOS was signal core with a top secret clearance. From advanced training he reported to Bamberg, Germany for an 18 month tour of duty. He later returned as a military reserve sergeant, and served his country in that capacity for 5 years.
Craig was a hard worker, and always did everything he could to provide for his family. He was employed by Manufacture Mirror and Glass Glazer for many years before beginning a career at TRW Space & Defense. In 1999 he retired from TRW after 25 years, and he and his wife relocated to Varnado, Louisiana.
While residing in Los Angeles, Craig and his family were members of Hamilton United Methodist Church. He also lived in Apple Valley, CA for many years where he and his wife Rosia co-founded Visions of Faith Non-denominational Church. Upon relocating to Varnado, Louisiana he joined Mary's Chapel UMC, where he served on the Usher Board, PPR Board and as Past President of the United Methodist Men. Craig was also instrumental in helping his wife prepare the church programs.
Craig was well liked throughout the community, and often worked as a substitute teacher at the local school. He was also one to always give back, and enjoyed providing food to those in need through the food pantry.
Craig was preceded in death by his daughter, Lavetta Walls-Miller, his parents Wilma Tippett and William Walls, his father-in-law Hollis Roberts Sr., his "Big Mama" and "Big Daddy" Preston and Nora Doons, and a special uncle, Leroy Patton.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 45 years, Rosia Mary Walls, two daughters, Kisha L. (June) McDonald of Victorville, CA, and Chandra M. (Anthony) Williams of Memphis, TN, and one son Lawrence C. Walls Jr.(Catherine R.) of Varnado, LA; Mother in law, Lillian Roberts, and some very special people who he helped raise as his children, Kathy (Dion) Smith, Kevin Tooks, Hugh Jones, Kelly Roberts, Julani Thomas, and Sharon Lewis; God Children Tyhera Madison, Shannyn Robinson, Ru'Laina Roberts, and God Sister-in-law Deloris Myles; Five sisters, Dorothy Martin of Las Vegas, NV, Earleen Madison of Varnado, LA, Wilbunette (Adell) Randolph of Little Rock, AK, Avis (Gilbert) Clark of Idabell, OK, Donna Dotson of Long Beach, CA; Seven brothers, Author Leon (Frieda) Madison of L.A., CA, Robert Earl Madison of L.A., CA, Michael Dotson of Las Vegas, NV, David (Gloria) Dotson of Long Beach, CA, Rev. Martinez (Vernon) Walls of St. Louis, MI, Courtney Walls of Little Rock, AK, Gus (Shirley) Walls of Duluth, GA; Seventeen Grand Children, one great-grand son, and a host of sisters in law, brothers in law, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be Sept 30. Friday 2-6 Wake Service 6-8p.m. at Cook-Richmond. Funeral Service will be Oct 1 at 1:00 p.m. at Mary Chapel U.M.C. Rev. Terrence August, Officiating. Interment Robinson Cemetery