Walker Lee Evey

Walker Lee Evey, 78, of Hernando Florida passed away April 30, 2025, at HCA Florida Citrus Hospital. Born on November 29, 1946, in St. Petersburg Florida, he held a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in special education from the University of South Florida and a master’s in business management from Florida Institute of Technology. At the age of eighteen, he proudly served in the Army as a platoon leader and company commander in Vietnam. In 1974 he entered federal service as a civilian with the United States Air Force working on a variety of programs to include the negotiation of the first international space station. His government career culminated with his role as the Program Manager for the Pentagon Renovation Program in which he oversaw a massive 10 year, $4 billion overhaul and reported directly to the Deputy Secretary of Defense. In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, he led the Phoenix Project, a program dedicated to rebuilding the damaged sections of the Pentagon. In a testament to his leadership and organization, he and his team were able to complete this project in under a year – a promise made when rebuilding began. After leaving federal service, he served as the senior vice president of 3D/International, Inc., a nationwide design, management, and construction company. In 2003, he took a leave of absence to serve as senior advisor to the Iraqi Ministry of Housing and Construction in support of post-war rebuilding efforts. Finally from 2004-2009, he served as the President and CEO of DBIA (Design Build Institute of America) where he continued to advocate for design-build project delivery. Lee brought innovative thought, hard work and the bonds of teamwork and community to every project he joined. He was never happier than when working through a challenge with a team of people he trusted. He was always ready with a story and a smile and in later years retired to Florida to enjoy the sun, volunteering with the Vietnam Veterans Gathering, lots of good friends, and a second more relaxed career as a writer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia A. Evey, his parents, Walker Samuel Evey, Jr. and Frances Walker Evey and his sister Cindy Mason. He is survived by his sister Mari Jo Shepherd, and his three children, Katherine Johnson, Jeffrey Evey and Caroline Evey and by his grandchildren Hannah Johnson and Joseph Johnson. The family plans to have a Celebration of Lee’s life at a future date.