Lawrence Cohen Walker Jr.
- David Washington
- Jun 4
- 3 min read
A Legacy of Leadership and Service
Born on March 9, 1942, in Macon, Georgia, Lawrence Cohen Walker Jr. has built a remarkable career in law and public service. A longtime resident of Perry, Georgia, Walker has been a key figure in Georgia politics, serving sixteen terms in the Georgia House of Representatives. (“Larry Walker (Politician),” 2025)
Early Life and Education
Larry grew up in a community deeply rooted in agriculture and small-town values and graduated from Perry High School in 1960. Larry’s father, Cohen Walker, graduated from the University of Georgia in 1937 and returned to Perry High School as an ag teacher. Cohen and Larry’s grandfather opened Gray-Walker Tractor Company in Perry in 1938, and Cohen served as chairman of the Houston County School Board for over 20 years.
Larry pursued his higher education at the University of Georgia, earning both a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree graduating in 1965. His academic foundation set the stage for a successful legal and political career. Upon graduation, Larry Walker’s career began as the Perry Municipal Court judge at age 23. (Journal, 2014)
Family and Personal Life
Walker has been married to Janice Knighton Walker since 1964. Larry and Janice were high-school sweethearts since the 10th grade. Their enduring partnership has been a cornerstone of his personal and professional life. Together, they raised four children, Larry, Wendy, Russell, and John. (Vote Smart | Facts for All, n.d.)
Larry writes for JAMES magazine quarterly and has authored two books, “Tales from Georgia’s Gnat Line” and “Life on the Gnat Line,” featuring his popular columns on family, Southern life, reading, politics, and people. He speaks frequently at community and state events, including Continuing Legal Education seminars. (“Attorney Bios,” n.d.)
Larry Walker Arena: Honoring a Legacy
In recognition of Walker’s contributions to Georgia’s agricultural community, officials at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter broke ground on the Larry Walker Arena, a $21.5 million facility dedicated to youth livestock competitions. The arena will offer additional space for small animals, such as pigs, goats, and sheep, providing improved facilities for young exhibitors.
Walker, who played a pivotal role in establishing the Georgia National Fairgrounds in the late 1980s, was deeply moved by the honor. Reflecting on the dedication, he said, "When they told me that they were going to do this, I cried. I couldn't help it, and I'm not ashamed of it. A good cry every now and then is okay." (Georgia National Fairgrounds Breaks Ground on $21.5 Million Larry Walker Arena | Here’s What We Know, 2025)
The Larry Walker Arena is expected to open in July 2026, further cementing Walker’s legacy in supporting Georgia’s agricultural youth. (King, 2025)
Legal Career and Community Involvement
Beyond politics, Walker has been a respected attorney, practicing law in Perry, Georgia. He is the founding member and partner of counsel with Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore LLP, a well-established law firm. His contributions to the legal field have earned him recognition, including the American Bar Association Lifetime Achievement Award. (Journal, 2014)
Mayor & Council Recognize Larry Walker for Public Service
Perry native, Larry Walker, was recognized by Perry Mayor and Council for his leadership and authority in the legal and political fields in our community.
Mayor Walker stated, “I proclaim the City’s profound appreciation and recognition of Larry Walker for his dedicated commitment to the citizens of Perry. I extend my personal best wishes upon his retirement of nearly six decades of public service and for continued success in life’s pursuits.
Walker remains an active member of the Perry Methodist Church. His dedication to God, family, public service, and law has left a lasting impact on Georgia.
Bibliography
Attorney Bios. (n.d.). Perry, Warner Robins, Houston County, GA | Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore LLP. Retrieved May 30, 2025, from https://whgmlaw.com/about/our-attorneys/attorneys-bio/
Georgia National Fairgrounds breaks ground on $21.5 million Larry Walker Arena | Here’s what we know. (2025, May 14). WMAZ. https://www.13wmaz.com/article/news/local/georgia-national-fairgrounds-breaks-ground-on-larry-walker-arena/93-6595c12c-2ddc-43c6-a3b7-04cbabe7d759
Journal, S. to the. (2014, May 10). Larry Walker receives ABA Lifetime Achievement award. Houston Home Journal. https://hhjonline.com/larry-walker-receives-aba-lifetime-achievement-award/
King, F. (2025, May 14). Groundbreaking held for Larry Walker Arena at Georgia National Fairgrounds. 41NBC News | WMGT-DT. https://www.41nbc.com/larry-walker-arena-groundbreaking-perry/
Larry Walker (politician). (2025). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Larry_Walker_(politician)&oldid=1290124481
Our Campaigns—Candidate—Larry Walker. (n.d.). Retrieved May 30, 2025, from https://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=28710
Vote Smart | Facts For All. (n.d.). Vote Smart. Retrieved May 30, 2025, from http://votesmart.org
