Raymond Walker

Former State Representative Raymond Walker has stepped down as the Executive Director of the Rhea County Economic and Tourism Council, according to a story in the Herald-News, Dayton.

Walker, a Republican, was elected to the Tennessee House in 1996 from the 25th District which included Cumberland and Rhea counties. Never seriously challenged, Walker served eight years before being forced to retire because of medical problems. He has served as RETC Director since 2004.

Walker told the Herald-News that he thinks bringing General Shale to Rhea County in 2009 was his best accomplishment at the Rhea Economic and Tourism Council. “He will certainly be missed,” said RETC Chairman Tom Taylor, lauding Walker for his work in economic development. “Raymond put his heart and soul into it the whole time he’s been on the job. He was extremely beneficial in getting General Shale.”

Walker, a former Crossville resident, is a Rhea County native who managed the Rhea County Farm Bureau office for 28 years before retiring. He also served as a delegate to the 1977 Constitutional Convention.