White Sulphur Springs-Christopher Rusk Walkup, 77, died peacefully at home Saturday morning, Sept. 5, 2015, after battling COPD.
Born Mar. 25, 1933, at Renick, he was a son of the late Harry Lepps and Ollie Mae Driver Walkup.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in White Sulphur Springs and a Korean Conflict Veteran. Chris was a graduate of Greenbrier Military Academy in 1952 and attended WVU, joining Kappa Sig Fraternity until he joined the army. After returning from the service he gained employment with Capital Finance in Lewisburg, then First National Bank in Ronceverte, and then the Bank of White Sulphur Springs. He became President of the Bank of White Sulphur Springs for many years, and President Emeritus of First Citizens Bank of White Sulphur Springs until retirement. Chris was past President of the West Virginia Bankers Association in 1979 and 1980 and was past President of the White Sulphur Springs Industrial Development Incorporation. He was a member of the Hillsboro Mason Lodge in 1956, then was a member of the Allegheny Lodge at White Sulphur Springs. Chris was a member of the Elks Club, holding almost every local position and was Past President of the Rotary International of White Sulphur Springs and served two terms as Past President of the Chamber of Commerce. He was Past Chairman of the Greenbrier County Democratic Committee and was remembered for his undying support of WVU Athletics especially football. Chris was an avid golfer and could always be found on the golf course with his buddies.
Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by: his step mother, Ethel “Blondie” Walkup; his paternal grandfather, Robert James “Bob” Walkup in 1947; paternal grandmother, Sadie McClung Walkup in 1958; brother, Robert James Walkup; and half-brother, Darrell Blake.
Survivors include: his wife of 51 years, Frankie H. Walkup at home; daughters, Sadie Ann Prichard (Allen) of Richmond, VA and Victoria Rusk Walkup-Pierce (Eric) of Orlando, FL; grandchildren, Christopher Allen Prichard and Scott Franklin Prichard, both of Richmond, VA, and Christopher Rusk Pierce of Orlando, FL.
Graveside services were conducted Thursday, Sept. 10, at Morningside Cemetery, Renick, for family and close friends. Visitation was Wednesday evening, Sept. 9, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity.
Shanklin Funeral Home, White Sulphur Springs, is serving the family.
