Wyatt Henry Walton Jr.

1925 - 2009

Wyatt Henry Walton Jr., 83, of Huddleston, Va., died on Thursday, February 19, 2009, from complications of Alzheimer's disease. He was born September 15, 1925, the son of the late Wyatt Henry Walton and Cora Woodford Walton, and he lived his entire life on the family farm in Huddleston.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Margaret Saunders Walton; and their three children, Leigh Walton, of Nashville, Tenn., Susan Walton Wynkoop and her husband, Morgan, of Westport, Conn., and Wyatt Henry Walton III, and his wife, Janet, of Huddleston. He left six devoted grandchildren, Grace, Henry IV, and Tyler Walton, Margaret and Will Knowles, and Katherine Wynkoop.
Henry was an engineer, merchant, farmer, civic leader, politician, businessman, church leader, musician, and a family man. After graduation from Huddleston High School, Henry began his college career at Virginia Tech. His education was interrupted by World War II in 1943 when he served in the Army Air Force for three years as a gunner on a B-24. Henry was stationed in Italy and flew missions over southern Germany. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 1948 he married Margaret on August 28th, a date that still remains the hottest August 28th on record in Bedford. Upon his return to Virginia Tech, Henry continued his pursuit of an engineering degree graduating in 1949. At Tech he won the Intramural championship his junior year and remained a true Hokie fan throughout his entire life. He attended his 60th "Old Guard" reunion in 2006 in Blacksburg.
After college, Henry and Margaret returned to Huddleston and soon took over the country store and farm operated by his parents. He raised Hereford cattle and ran Walton's store and Southside Service Center. Henry served on the Dominion Bank Board and was on the Bedford Federal Board for over 40 years. As a community leader, Henry was very involved in lobbying the Virginia Legislature for approval of the construction of Smith Mountain Lake and was instrumental in the efforts of locating the Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Bedford County.
A life long Democrat, Henry entered politics in 1963 winning a seat on the Board of Supervisors where he served two terms. He was a staunch leader during the difficult times of the integration of the local public school system that occurred during the time he was serving on the board. Henry served as the Chairman of the Bedford County Democratic Committee for many years and was active in local, state, and national politics his entire life.
In 1969, Henry became a realtor with Scott & Bond, Inc. where he specialized in commercial and residential real estate and was a real estate appraiser for over 30 years. He served as Chairman of the Bedford Chamber of Commerce for two years during which time the current Chamber of Commerce office was built. He was on the original Board of Directors of the Bedford County Memorial Hospital during the time of its construction and opening. He chaired the American Red Cross campaign, and served on the American Heart Association Board, the Huddleston Life Saving Board, the Bedford County Vocational Education Foundation, he served two terms on the Central Virginia Community College Board, and was a charter member of the Historic Avenel Board.
He was a member of the Bedford Industrial Development Authority, the Blue Ridge Chitterling Club, Bedford Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge 1897, and the American Legion. Henry was an active Mason and a 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a member of the Kazim Temple. He received his 60 year pin in 2007 from his Masonic Lodge. In 2003, Henry was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Bedford Chamber of Commerce for his many years of community service.
Henry attended Bethesda United Methodist Church since he was born and served in every capacity and was a member of the choir for over 50 years.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Bethesda United Methodist Church Building Fund, 14340 Wyatts Way, Huddleston, Va. 24104.
A very special thank you to all the wonderful Hospice team and the staff at the Bedford County Nursing Home.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2009, at Bethesda United Methodist Church, Huddleston, with the Rev. Tammy Franklin and the Rev. Wayne Murphy officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Masonic Grave Rites. The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 21, 2009, at Updike Funeral Home in Bedford from 1 to 3 p.m. and on the same day at Updike Funeral Home in Huddleston from 6 to 8 p.m. Online condolences can be sent to the family at updikefuneralhome@verizon.net.