Dr. Melvin Walker, longtime pastor of the Gospel Blessing Center in Roosevelt, passed away last Thursday after a brief illness at the age of 70.

Rev. Walker, known as the "Gospel Ambassador," served the community at the center for 18 years, building a reputation for helping people in need. He had a special focus on hurricane victims, sending aid to those affected by Hurricane Hugo, Hurricane Andrew and other natural disasters.

Rev. David Michael Walker, pastor of Faith Fellowship Christian Center in Hempstead and one of the late Rev. Walker's seven children, said his father was a "great man because of what he did for people." "He always had people in the forefront of his mind and his thinking," David Michael Walker said. "He was always concerned about their needs."

The late Rev. Walker hosted a radio program on WTHE-AM and founded a group called Willing Workers for Christ and People Helping People, Inc.

Along with his seven children, Rev. Walker is survived by 10 grandchildren and his wife, Shirley.

Services are scheduled for Friday at Zion Cathedral in Freeport.

Related Information:Viewing Services: Friday, July 6 - 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.Zion Cathedral, 312 Grand Avenue, FreeportJoy Night Service:7 p.m. - 10 p.m.Saturday, July 79 a.m. - 10 a.m.Burial: 10 a.m.