Tony Lee Truitt

1961 - 2026

Tony Truitt, 64, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, March 1, 2026. Throughout his life, Tony was deeply committed to his family, his community, and his faith.

For 40 years, Tony was the loving and devoted husband of Sonia Truitt, his partner and greatest companion. He was a proud father to Leah Truitt (Dan Yu) and Taylor Larrowe (Alex), and a joyful “Popi” to his three cherished grandchildren, Oliver Larrowe, Theodore Larrowe, and Emma Yu-Truitt. He is also survived by his father, Roy Truitt (Barbara), and his sister, Sandra Truitt Melton (Kenneth). He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Shirley Truitt.

Tony was a loyal and steadfast friend. From his close-knit circle of high school buddies to the hiking partners and running groups he gathered over the years, he walked beside others through every season of life. He never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for turning acquaintances into lifelong friends. He had a constant smile and a genuine kindness that radiated through every interaction. 

An avid runner and hiker, Tony embraced physical challenges with enthusiasm and determination. There aren’t many people who celebrate their 50th birthday by running a 50K, but Tony did, and likely encouraged someone else to sign up along the way. He traveled to hike some of the nation’s tallest peaks, yet his heart always remained rooted in the community he loved.

Tony served faithfully in numerous leadership roles, including as President of the Galax Foundation for Excellence in Education, former president of the Galax Downtown Association and the Chamber of Commerce, and as a member of many other boards and committees. He rarely declined an opportunity to serve. He believed in giving back and investing in the future of his community.

He devoted his professional life to building Roy’s Diamond Center alongside his family. Through his work, he had the privilege of helping generations celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. He took special pride in being the best secret keeper, safeguarding countless surprise proposals and carefully chosen gifts until just the right moment. For Tony, it was never simply about jewelry; it was about relationships, trust, and sharing in the joy of others.

Above all, Tony was a man of deep and abiding faith. He sought to model his life after Christ, loving generously, serving humbly, and extending grace freely. He lived as a quiet testimony to God’s goodness, offering encouragement, sharing hope, and never hesitating to lend a helping hand.

It feels fitting that Tony’s earthly race ended on a Sunday morning run. We know that he was smiling as he jogged his way through the pearly gates, greeted with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Friends are invited to a viewing on Friday, March 6, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., and to a celebration of Tony’s life at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, both at First Baptist Church. A private burial will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Truitt Family Scholarship through the Galax Foundation for Excellence in Education or the Galax Volunteer Fire Department (PO Box 147- Galax, VA)

        Galax Foundation for Excellence in Education:

                   PO Box 487- Galax, VA  or    www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/truitt-family-scholarship