John "Jay" Walter Widener

Abingdon, VA – John Walter “Jay” Widener, age 84, passed on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at his home.  Jay was a Veteran of the United States Army. He served in Vietnam where he received the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in combat.  Jay worked as a salvage yard manager for many years before retiring. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren and his dogs.

Jay was preceded in death by his father, John Henry Widner and mother, Cora Lee Widner; great granddaughter, Mia Shortt; and five siblings.

Jay is survived by his wife, Helen Widener; sons, John Widener, Jr., Richard Dixon, William “Peanut” Widener; daughters, Dennise Roe, Dianna Stein; siblings, George Widner, Hattie Pickle, Linda Widner, and Vivian Georgia; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation with the family will be held 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 22, 2024, in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service.  Graveside services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Saturday in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Minister Dakota Dixon officiating.  Military rites will be conducted by Highlands Veterans Honor Guard and the Virginia Army National Guard.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register.   The family of John Walter “Jay” Widener is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.