Tom Walker
Educator

Thomas Boyd Walker, born August 5, 1933, grew up in Irving and graduated from Irving High School in 1950. After serving in the U.S. Army, he married Genell Price and moved to Grapevine in 1959 where he taught science, PE, and history and coached at Grapevine Junior High. Tom and Genell’s three children, Valerie, Rusty, and Gaye, are all graduates of GHS. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas in 1958 and his Masters in Secondary Administration from North Texas State University in 1962.

He became principal of GJHS in 1965 and continued in that role when GJHS became Grapevine Middle School. During the renovation of GMS, Tom opened and served as principal at Colleyville Middle School in 1976 and returned to GMS the following year where he remained until retirement in 1987. During his time there he served two generations of families as former students’ children began to attend GMS. A few years later he returned to GCISD as Director of Energy Management where, under his leadership, the district won a third-place national award for its energy management plan.

Tom was inducted into the GHS Faculty Hall of Fame in 2000 and the athletic field at the new GMS was named for him in 2001. In his spare time, Tom enjoys fishing and golf and was a long-time member of the Grapevine Angler’s Club.

Former students remember him as an outstanding educator, one who taught right and wrong by his daily actions. His teaching and coaching skills contributed to a strong sense of determination, confidence, self-discipline, courage, and selflessness in students and athletes. He remains a close friend and advisor to many and is a regular presence at reunions and gatherings. Tom never forgets a friend, co-worker, or former student and always recalls everyone’s name. In the words of his students, “His attention to the physical, emotional, and academic growth of students contributed to their character development and personal accomplishments.”