Walter Clyde Erwin

Walter Clyde

Erwin Jr.

Walter Clyde Erwin Jr., 88, died Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010, at The Summit following a brief illness. He is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Agnes Burgess Erwin. Clyde retired from Babcock & Wilcox (McDermott) in 1986, following a long career as a metallurgist engineer. At the time of his death, he was a member of Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Clyde was born Sept. 8, 1922, in Clarkesville to the late Walter C. Erwin Sr. and Sue Moore Erwin. In addition to his parents, he also was predeceased by his stepmother, Julia Erwin, his first grandchild, Elizabeth Lynn, and his brother-in-law, A. B. (Buddy) Ussery.

Clyde graduated from Clarksville High School in 1941 and left home to attend Virginia Military Institute. In 1943, he enlisted in the United States Army to serve his country. He served in Company F of the 386th Infantry from 1943 to 1946 and was wounded during the European Campaign. Following the conclusion of World War II, Clyde returned to Virginia to attend Virginia Polytechnic Institute, from which he received his bachelor's degree as a metallurgical engineer in 1948. It was in Blacksburg that he met Agnes, who was employed by the university in the Soil Conservation Department. Clyde remained a proud Hokie and avid follower of all Virginia Tech athletic programs, particularly football and basketball.

In addition to his wife, Clyde is survived by four sons and daughters-in-law: Walter C. Erwin, III (Carroll), of Lynchburg, Edward Harrison Erwin (Kate Anderson), of Floyd, Robert Jackson Erwin (Lynn), of Roanoke, and Michael Burgess Erwin (Sandi), of Richmond. He will also always be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Rachel Louise and her fianc‚, Jeff Meyer, Jessica Lynn, Becky Sue and Andrew Harrison; as well as by his sister-in-law, Charlotte Burgess Ussery; his nephew, Doug Ussery; and niece, Betsy Saintsing.

Clyde enjoyed watching sports, spending time at the beach, keeping in touch with friends from various veterans groups, and gardening. While declining health in recent years limited his participation in some of these activities, nothing diminished his fondness for a good tomato sandwich and a piece of Agnes' hot milk cake.

Memorial services for Clyde will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, at Tharp Funeral Home, with the Rev. David Etheridge officiating. Military honors to be performed by American Legion Post 16. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home following the service. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Clyde's memory to Quaker Presbyterian Church, 5810 Fort Ave., Lynchburg, VA 24502.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, 434-237-9424, is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tharpfuneral

home.com.