Community shows support for respected Perry leader

There was a massive outpour of support for Perry native and former member of the General Assembly/Majority Leader, Larry Walker for his book signing held on Thursday at the Perry Arts Center 

The Perry Area Chamber of Commerce and the Perry Arts Commission cohosted the book signing for Walker’s latest book, “Tales From Georgia’s Gnat Line,” a successor of his first book, “Life on the Gnat Line.” Books were sold for $30 a piece and Walker almost sold out completely. The event was scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. and end at 7 p.m. and Walker signed books from start to finish, shaking hands and reconnecting with old friends. He even stayed an extra hour to make sure he signed every single one with a personal message, thanking them for their support. “I feel like if they come and buy a book thats the least I can do,” Walker said.

“I’ll stay here as long as I need to stay here, until the books run out or you run out,” Walker said to the long line.

Leaders in the community came to speak with Walker and bought as much as five books at a time for loved ones and family members. Walker took a moment during signing to not only rest his right hand, but also to thank everyone for the support they’ve shown him and his family over the years. “I wanna especially thank the people from middle Georgia that have supported not only me since I’ve started practicing law 54 years ago, but my whole family,” Walker said. “We’re deeply appreciative.”

Later, Walker said he was overwhelmed by the large number of Houston County citizens that came to his signing. “I’m just very appreciative of the people coming, surprised, but very, very happy,” Walker said. He expressed his appreciation to the Perry Art Commission and the Chamber for putting the event together.

Chamber President, Darlene McLendon says the chamber was more than happy to be able to help Walker launch his book sales as he is an integral part of the Perry as a whole. “The chamber obviously is very honored to be part of planning the event,” McLendon said. “He’s part of the fabric of this community. He has led this community and continues to lead our community and our state. ”

Walker said peer pressure is what led him to create his second book. He was encouraged by multiple people to write another book and eventually decided he would do so. With some additional help, he was able to finish his book within one year. The book, unlike his first is published through Mercer University Press. Walker thanked them for taking a chance on what he said was an “off the wall kind of book.”

Walker says anyone who was unable to get a book during his signing can purchase a copy from Gottwals bookstore.