Dr. David L. Walker, 49, Nashville, Tenn, departed this life Thursday, August 11, 2005. Born in Memphis, Tenn., Sept. 7, 1955, Dr. Walker was the only child of the late James H. and Susie King Walker. He was married to Deborah Williams of Pine Bluff, Ark., for 28 years. To this union two children, David Jon and Dannelle Felecia, were born. Early in his life, Dr. Walker professed his faith in Christ and was baptized at Greater Middle Baptist Church, Memphis, under the pastorate of Dr. Benjamin Hooks. Upon moving to Nashville, he affiliated with First Baptist Church Capitol Hill. He served as minister of music at Spruce Street Baptist Church and Pleasant Green Baptist Church. He also servied as musician at Mt. Herman Baptist Church. Dr. Walker earned a B.S degree in music education from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he was a Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation Scholar. He received the M.A. degree in music education at the University of Northern Iowa, and the Ph.D degree in program and staff development in music education from the George Peabody College for Teachers of Vanderbilt University. Further studies were done at the Manhattan School of Music, New York, and at Northwestern University. Dr. Walker was a professor at Bethune-Cookman College, Daytona Beach, before he joined the faculty at Tennessee State University in May 1984 as an associate professor of music and director of graduate studies in music education. While at the university, Dr. Walker also served as interim dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research, and was elected chair of the Faculty Academic Senate. Dr. Walker was employed as the assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs at the Tennessee State Board of Regents from 1992 - 1998, when failing health made it necessary for him to retire. A lyric tenor of renown, Dr. Walker made solo appearances in schools, colleges, recital halls and museums; and performed as an opera, oratorio, concert and recital soloist with choruses and orchestras locally, nationally and internationally. Dr. Walker leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Deborah; his two loving children, David Jon and Dannelle; grandson, David Jaron Walker; two stepbrothers, William (Bernice) Walker, James Walker; stepsister, Louise Hayes; mother-in-law, Claudia Davis Williams; sister-in-law, Cassandra A. Williams; two brothers- in-law, John F. (Deborah) Williams, Mark H. Williams; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and personal and professional friends. Viewing will be today (Sunday, August 14) from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Terrell Broady Funeral Home, 3855 Clarksville Pike, Nashville, Tenn. Family will receive friends Monday, August 15, from 12 noon until 1:45 p.m. Tau Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alphi Fraternity Inc., will conduct Omega Services at 1:45 - 2 p.m. with funeral to follow at World Baptist Center with Dr. Forrest Harris, eulogist. Burial will be in Springhill Cemetery. Terrell Broady Funeral Home Inc., Nashville, TN is in charge, 615-244-4755.