Patrick Springs Ruritan Club member Wilbur Walker recently was presented the distinguished Tom Downing Award. The prestigious Tom Downing Award is the highest honor given to a Ruritan. Fewer than one percent of all Ruritans are Tom Downing Fellows, making this a distinctive honor among members. This honor from Ruritan National Foundation, sponsored by the club, is earned by one who demonstrates unselfish personal effort to the club and the community.
Walker has been a member of the Patrick Springs Ruritan Club for 46 years. He is well known for being the cook of the delicious and famous Black Pot Chicken. Walker was the chairman of this primary fundraising event for the club held at the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival at Ferrum College for many years. Walker serves in the leadership position of the club as the Treasurer.