Walter Ira "Walt" White, Sr.

Walter Ira “Walt” White, Sr., age 91, of Abingdon, Va., went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, November 15, 2017. He was blessed to have the love of his family and friends over the past several months at his home.

Walt was born in Russell County, Va., on July 1, 1926. He was a son of the late George and Sally White. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by three brothers, Ed, Jack and Reece; sister, Madge; and a daughter-in-law, Ann.

Walt was an active member of Greenfield Baptist Church where he served as deacon, trustee, teacher and faithful church worker for 64 years. He was a World War II veteran having served in the United States Army. Walt enjoyed helping the sick and elderly in his church community. He was an active member of the Damascus Senior Center. A well-known farmer, he began his career in Russell County and retired from Gunter Grade A Dairies and Beef Cattle Farms at the age of 80 having served as farm manager for many years.

Survivors include his loving wife of 68 years, Frances Ruth White; three sons, Walter Ira “Jim” White, Jr. and wife, Iva; David White and friend, Janet; Richard “Rick” White and wife, Tammy; daughter, Ruth Hill and husband, Doug; eight grandchildren: Walter Ira “Trey”, III; Jason; Amy; Matt; Ashley; LeighAnn; Brandon; and Brittany; 19 great grandchildren (who were the love of Papaw and Granny’s lives), Ally, Parker, Brady, Jackson, Madeline, Preston, Kiersten, Kiefer, Jeremiah, Anna, Landon, Lilly, Joleigh, Colton, Justin, Cody, Bella, Amelia, and Asher; great-great granddaughter, Maddie; two sisters, Georgia and Lucille; and a brother, Fred.

The family would like to express a special thanks to Dr. Mark Handy; the staff of HNC Hospice, especially Nurse Rose Dicks; and Falcon Pharmacy.

A funeral ceremony will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 18, 2017, at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with grandson, Brandon White, and Pastor Dan Burchfield officiating. A committal service will follow at Forest Hills Memory Gardens where military honors will be presented by the Highlands Veterans Honor Guard and the Virginia National Guard. Pallbearers will be Trey, Jason, Matt and Brandon White, Doug and Randall Ray, Kevin Wood, and Walter Keller. Honorary pallbearers will be Bruce Millsap, David Haviland, Rev. Bob Steele, and Members of Greenfield Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Friday, November 17, 2017, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Greenfield Baptist Church Playground Fund, 30080 Hawthorne Dr., Meadowview, Va. 24361.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:13

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook. The family of Walter Ira “Walt” White, Sr. is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, Va. 24210 (276-623-2700).