Michael VALENTINE Obituary

GLOUCESTER - Michael David Valentine, 34, died Dec. 3, 2009, at his residence.
He was a 1993 graduate of Gloucester High School and was associated with John Walker Electrical Contractor. He loved to fish and hunt and was an avid Jeff Gordon NASCAR fan. Michael was a superb artist and loved music, especially the Dave Matthews Band. He enjoyed being with his family and friends and loved his dogs Smokey and Hoss. Michael was a Christian and loved the Lord. Michael loved his mom's cooking.
He is survived by his parents, Arthur and Mary Valentine; two sisters, Tracey Gatling and husband Chris; and Candi Valentine; brother, Joshua Valentine; maternal grandparents, Tracy and Ruby Bailey; two nieces, Emmie and Hope Ferguson; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Memorial service, officiated by the Rev. Ralph VanNess, Jr., will be held 2 p.m. Sunday at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1 until 2 p.m. at the funeral home. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

Published by Daily Press from Dec. 11 to Dec. 12, 2009.
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Memories and Condolences
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Wish things could have turned out different for you Michael. Still saddens me to this day how this happened. I hope you are in heaven and have seen my son Lucas.

John Walker

Friend

December 5, 2020

bubba,
hi there bubba its hopey again. i cry alot at night just having the idea that you are not with me anymore. its been awhile now and im now just understanding that im only 12 and its going to be awhile until i see you again. and im still hopeing to be one of the first female nascar driver of my time and i will do it for you in honor of u being a fan. i hope u like the letter that i gave you. someone at the funeral home put it in there so i hope u got it and read it,it said alot of what i was and am thinking about bubba. i love you alot and i will see you when i come home to heaven. i love you!

hope ferguson

April 21, 2010

Hey Micheal, it's me Chris, I miss you very much. I sat next to Josh on the day of your funeral. I tried to comfort him as best as I could. We played an "Alabama" song for you. It's called " Angels Among Us". I usually can't get through that song without crying. I shed alot of tears that day and continue to do so. I can remember the first time I met you. It was when I dated Tracey back in High School. I saw an energetic and very imaginative kid. I will never forget the time you made a bladed hand with a set of steak knives like Freddy Kruger had in "A Nightmare on Elm Street". I soon learned that God had blessed you, at such a young age, with the gift of art and creativity. You see, artists don't see the world like other people. God opened your senses in such a manner as to not only take in everything around you, but to effortlessly recall those things and put it to paper. It would be years later before I would see you again. I was nearing the end of my enlistment with the Air Force and God had brought I and tracey back together. So much had changed since the days of your childhood. You remained unjudgemental and patient. Patient enough to hear me ramble on. I thank you for your kindness and friendship. I will forever miss playing spades with you, Tracey, and your Dad. Those days are precious to me now. I thank God for giving me the oppurtunity to be your brother. I know that I will see you again some day. The bible says that our home is in heaven and that we must go on living and patiently wait to be where you are. I think of all that has been revealed to you.
"My sheep recognize my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. So no one can take them from me. The Father and I are one". John 10:27-30

God Bless, Christopher

Chris Gatling

April 18, 2010

hi bubba its hopey. i think you will be very pleased to hear that i am now a nascar fan and want to be a woman nascar driver when i grow up. haveing you gone has shown me alot of things to think about. right now in school we are going to a memorail in d.c. and before we go my teachers want us to make a memorial of somwone that we know. i made mine about you and drew flowers around you and all kinds og things to remember you. as i lay here in my bed i think of so many things we would do. i would sit in your lap with my blankie and suck on my thumb watching a movie like home alone with you. and btw i still have the blanket and its on my bed this very minute,bubbba i miss you and i want you to know that. i wish you were here with me. i know you are out of pain but i wish you could come bach here witha brand new body and perfectly healthly. but i know thats never going to happen so until i see you again, i love you with all my heart and i will see you soon enough.

hopey ferguson

April 14, 2010

Micheal,
As I sit here an collect my thoughts, alot of great times come to mind. We grew up like brothers threw our early years.I will always keep those great memories close to my heart. One day we will see each other again, and sit and talk.I WILL ALWAYS LOVE AND MISS YOU.~Scotty~

April 6, 2010

Dear Michael,

I want to thank you for being such a wonderful brother and close friend. How do I go through life without you? I am so thankful the rumors about your death are not true. You died from an undiagnosed cardiac dysrhythmia. We thought that after your open heart surgery on your first birthday, that you were better. None of us had any idea about your condition, not even you.

I still hear your voice and the same laugh we both share. I can still smell you when I hold your clothes near or wrap up in your blanket. I have some of your things and will always cherish them. You are my little brother and I am supposed to protect you, but this time I wasn't there. I'm so sorry you died alone. I wish I could have saved you, but now you are gone. My heart is broken and I will never be the same again. I miss you Bubba. You were my buddy.

I have such good memories of us growing up together. All the times I dressed you up as a girl when we were little. You hated it, but you let me do it. Bless your heart. You were so affraid of the Abominable Snowman, but you would watch Rudolph with me anyway. As you grew up, you started to like watching scary movies with me and the rest is history.

God blessed you with the gift of art, which became your passion. Michael you could draw anything. You amazed me and everyone around you. I'm so thankful for the tattoo you designed for me. I love it. You love art, music, nascar, video games, playing spades, and fishing. I will miss being able to share that time with you and to hear that silly little phrase you would say while playing spades. "Hold them high or throw them low".

Emmie and Hopey miss you so much. Em has your gift of art. You were always proud of her for that. Hopey loves music and likes video games like you do. So much has changed with them. I wish you could be here to see it.

There are so many things Michael I miss about you. I miss hearing the nickname you had for me. It made me laugh. I miss taking you out when you would come visit me. I loved taking you to watch the Orioles play at Camden Yards. You loved it too. All the times you would be protective of me if we went out, meant alot to me. Trying to be a big brother. I could go on and on but there is so many good things. We have always been close.

I remember the last time we spoke. You were taking care of your poor injured dog Hoss. He is better now because of you. You never gave up on him. Michael you have such a big heart. You have touched so many lives. You were a good listener, friend, electrician, son, brother, uncle, and grandson.

I remember when you and I both were saved at the same time. You were 9 and I was 13. I will never forget that day. That is why I know you are with Christ. You are a christian. You now have a new body and are not suffering with Scoliosis anymore. I will see you again, but it hurts so much until that day comes.
God took you too soon. I was not ready. I want just one more day with you. One more hug, one more card game, one more glass of tea.

I always tried to be there for you when you needed me. It never mattered what time or when. You could tell me anything and you usually did. We were great friends. I dream about you alot. I wake up crying. You are not here. We all miss you so much. I wish you didn't have to go so soon. I will always love you.

God Bless You,
Your Big Sister,
Tracey

Tracey Gatling

April 6, 2010

Dear Valentine family.I am so sorry to hear about Mike,It was a shocker when I heard.I worked w Mike at Shorts Electric years ago.He was a great sweet guy to work with,he could definately make me laugh.Last summer I ran into him and we caught up a little on our lives,it was so wonderful to hear that laugh of his.Mike will be sadly missed.My thoughts are with you.

March 12, 2010

bubba,the last time i saw you was thanksgiving of 2008,it was a great time,we ate together and we told stories and we lauged,alot. just to see you smile agian would mean the world to me. i love you and wish you were still here with me...i love you.

hope ferguson

January 16, 2010

micael,i love you and i miss you so much,i know that youre gone,but you are still here,in my heart,i love you and wish you were here with me...i know that you are out of pain,but to see you one more time would be amazing and i would give you the biggest hug i would ever give anyone,i love you and i will see you soon. :) i love you.

Hope Ferguson

January 13, 2010

Michael, i have so many memories of you and i together. To try and count them all would be trying to name each star, it just cant be done. You were a great uncle to me, i loved you so much. I remember one time you and Josh scared me silly with that freakin' head thing you guys had. I also remember one summer when you built me a pool out of my sandbox because it was so hot. I miss you so much, its not fair that God called you home so early. A part of life is letting people that you love go... and although everyone has to do it, its just about the hardest thing in the world. Losing you like this is so difficult to deal with. We loved you so much. I could sit here and just write so much that i loved about you...I hope to see you again someday, we'll meet on the golden road in the sky with Him by our sides. I love you Michael, You will Never Be Forgotten, You will forever live in all of our hearts and memories. ~ With all my Love, Emmie Ferguson

Emmie Ferguson

December 14, 2009

To Tracy and Family,

Just wanted you know I'm thinking of you! I remember Michael when he was a little boy! Tracy, we've known each other all the way back to elementary school. You have always been a wonderful friend and I love you dearly. If you need anything, let me know!

Love you!
Tiff

Tiffany Redcross

December 14, 2009

I first met Michael when we worked together at Pizza Hut. I knew he was different very soon. Artistic beyond belief and a very kind soul. We really took to him and had lots of fun cutting up. We had a great fishing trip that I will never forget. At one point we both had camaros at the same time and were really cool dudes.I've heard God takes the good ones first.I will miss him but I have good stories.

Wiatt Briggs

December 13, 2009

To my long lost friend Michael. Where does time go my brother. Has it really been over ten years since we last saw each other. How time, and life passes us by. Seems just yesterday we were fishin, cuttin up, going to races, and living life to the fullest. You didn't see one, without the other. We have some great memories that I will never forget.
To the whole Valentine family, My families deepest sympathy goes out to you. My mother and father thought the world of Michael, and treated him as a son. There really is nothing anyone can say to ease the pain of loosing someone. I do know that this is only a brief absence, as we will soon all be reunited with friends and family who have crossed before us. He is in the Lords home now. Please take comfort in knowing this. God Bless the Valentine family. Guide them, and keep them strong in this difficult time.
Go rest high on that mountain my brother!

Jason Keithley

December 13, 2009

Dear Tracy and Family, So sorry to hear about your grandson. Did not know him personally but if he was anything like you he was terrific. May you and your family keep your hand in god's hand and remember the good times and fond memories of your loved one. Love Loretta and Joelle pbx family. G-Town.

Loretta Tyler

December 12, 2009

Mary & Merle
My heart is breaking for you both and I still can't belive it, but I do know God has a purpose for us all. I know He will keep you in His heart & it will take some time, but take comfort in knowing you will be together in God's arms again. I'm praying for you now & I always will...
Love, Joan

Joan Griffin

December 12, 2009

Michael, I could sit here all day and write a story of how much you meant to me and how much I love you. I loved being your little sister. I always admired all of your talent and how big your heart was. I could sit and watch you draw all day. We all loved your company. You had one of the biggest hearts we know. You could really make me laugh. You had some of the silliest nicknames for me that drove me crazy. I appreciate those names now. I wish I could hear you say them again, but I will in all of my memories.

I had big news to tell you that I never had the chance to... your little sister is getting married. I was so excited about it, I couldn't wait to tell you in person. I never got the chance. You would have loved him and guess what, he's an artist just like you. He reminds me of you in many ways. I think God brought Mark and I together for a reason.

I will never listen to the Dave Matthews Band and not think of you. I wish I could take you to their concert every summer. I know you will always be with me in spirit in all that I do. You will always be in my heart.

I will never be the same without you. You are my big brother, Michael. You were supposed to always be with me and protect me. I know you will be though but from above. I don't think you realized how many lives you actually touched. I have the most wonderful memories of you that I will always carry with me. It broke my heart when I heard the devastating news. I couldn't believe it. I'm so heartbroken. I love you with all of my heart Michael. May God Bless you and our family. We miss you so much. We will love you always.

Candi Valentine, your little sister

December 12, 2009

Michael was my best friend from when we were small children all the way through high school. We grew up across the street from each other and did everything together. From pretending we were both Bo Duke when were kids to fishing together when we were all grown up, we were as close as brothers. I probably have hundreds of stories to tell.

I always admired Mike’s drawing ability. He could perfectly sketch anything you could imagine. He also taught me most of what I know about fishing and really got me into music. We always got along and we helped each other. Mike was a one of a kind, a true friend. After high school our lives got busier and we got together less and less. Time got away from us and we lost touch over the years.

When I heard the sad news I was heartbroken… I could not believe it. I severely regret that we did not keep in contact over the years. My heartfelt condolences go out to Mike’s family. He was such a special person and he will surely be missed. Goodbye is so hard to say. My memories are all that I have now and I smile when I think of them. Take care my friend, I will never forget you.

Matthew Seaford

December 11, 2009

In one of the best western stories I read and later saw as a mini-series, the group set out from Texas with all they had for the dream of going to Montana. Early in the journey as they made a river crossing, one of the young men was killed. It shook them all. The older brother was so grief stricken he couldn't speak at the funeral. One of the leaders of the group told them this young man died before he had a chance to accomplish everything he could have in this world. We can't stay here now at his gravesite. The best thing you can do with death is walk away from it. Put it behind you now. We have a long way to go.

I do have a long way to go yet, as far as I know anyway. But I'll always carry thoughts of you with me, Mike. And I hope when I am quick to anger or about to be short in response to someone, I'll think how we never know when we'll go from this world into the next. God Bless You

John, Friend of Mike

December 11, 2009

Mike, you were my first love, my first everything. Wonderful memories I will have forever. Thank you.

Julie Dameron

December 11, 2009

Michael was a good friend. We worked together for a little over a year. He was a good electrician. I enjoyed working with him. I will always remember going to the Richmond track this spring with Michael. I think back on all the jobs we did together and how everyday, when Mike was with me, I knew we wouldn't have any problem accomplishing what we had in front of us. Everyone liked Mike that we dealt with daily. He was a professional. His time with us was just too short. God Bless his family. I know Mike is up there doing what he can to keep an eye on them.

John Walker

December 11, 2009

Mike always had a smile and nice word for everyone. His love for art and music was infectious to everyone. He will be missed by many and you all are in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.

Suzanne Sullivan

December 11, 2009

Michael was a great guy and a great listener. He was always so sweet and nonjudgemental to everyone. He will be in my thoughts and prayers, as you will be also.

Kristen Vanderpool Wagner

December 11, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Bruce Sterling

December 11, 2009

Mike will be missed by many. We are so sorry for your loss and we know that one day, we will all see him again wiht our Lord. Now Mike will be wrapped in the arms of our Lord and feel the love of Him. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.

The Sullivan Family

December 11, 2009

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Valentine family,Mike was a kind soul and a great freind who will be missed dearly.

Bruce Sterling

December 11, 2009

Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
GHS - Class of 1993
(Linda Hall)

Linda Hilling

December 11, 2009

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