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Little's Funeral Home and Cremation Service - Smithfield

1515 S. Church Street

Smithfield, Virginia

Walter Grubbs Obituary

Walter Jay Grubbs, 67, of Smithfield, passed away on, Friday, December 4, 2020. He was the son of the late Floyd Fletcher Grubbs and Blanche Wiener Grubbs. Walter is survived by his wife of 19 years Leslie Ann Messick; daughter, Jennifer Grubbs Mathes; son, Erik Grubbs (Kela); grandchildren, Hunter, Cole, Teilor, Heiden and Karter; sisters, Debra Grubbs Welch and Mary Ann Grubbs Fox (Edward); nephews, Brian Welch (Brenda), Jeremy Welch (Angel), Kory Fox (Megan); niece, Kylie Fox; great nephew Jakob Welch; great nieces Kelsie Welch and Katherine Welch, and many close friends and neighbors. Mr. Grubbs was a hard worker, dedicated to his work and his clients as a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley. Walter was a good family man, loving husband, and wonderful son-in-law. Mr. Grubbs was and a caring man who was very outgoing and never met a stranger. He was not just the guy next door, but a true friend, willing to do anything to help his neighbors. Walter had many friends from all walks of life. It was a blessing to call him a friend. He was President of the 1971 class of Warwick High School and still enjoyed being active in class reunions maintaining relationships with many classmates. Walter was an avid weekend golfer and a passionate amateur chef who loved his kitchen. Walter Grubbs loved his country and was an extremely proud American. As the son of an Army Captain, Walter learned early the lessons of patriotism and was not shy about telling anyone who would listen. Mr. Grubbs was also proud of his families blended Methodist and Jewish heritage and traditions. We mourn the loss of this wonderful man but are rich in the many beautiful memories he gave us. Walter has risen to a better place and will enjoy many beautiful fairways to come. For those of us he left behind, a graveside service will be held on Friday, December 11, 2020, 2 p.m. at St. Luke's Memorial Park, Smithfield. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening, December 10, 2020 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Little's Funeral Home, Smithfield. If donations are preferred in lieu of flowers they may be made to the Isle of Wight Christian Outreach or the Isle of Wight Humane Society, www.iowchs.org. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Press from Dec. 9 to Dec. 11, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Grubbs

Sponsored by Little's Funeral Home and Cremation Service - Smithfield.

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Sharon Winn

December 16, 2020

Walter was a friend many years before he became our financial advisor. We spent lots of time networking together in the early years . He was so incredibly likeable and was a great example of how you find and grow connections and friendships. Years later he became a trusted financial advisor who always looked out for our best interest. We will miss his greatly!

Wendy & Gary

December 12, 2020

We were fortunate to have the privilege and honor to call Walter (and Leslie:) friends. He had so many wonder qualities we admired. He was kind, funny, someone that readily shared, a good teacher, enthusiastic and just a really great guy. We were so proud of how he reinvented himself studying and testing to be a financial planner. We will miss his wonderful laugh and how he made the world a better place. Our heartfelt sorrow to Leslie, Felicia and the Grubbs family.

Christy and Johnny Jones

December 11, 2020

We are SO SORRY to hear the passing
Of Walter! We were so honored to build your Beautiful Home! We will always remember the Fun Halloween Parties filled with Fabulous Food and Fellowship!
Our thoughts and prayers to you Leslie and all of the Grubbs family.
Christy and Johnny Jones

Debbye Curran

December 11, 2020

Completely caught off guard by this news. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Brenda Umagat

December 10, 2020

Mr. Grubbs was a patient at the office I worked at. He was always so pleasant, we always looked forward to his visits with us. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Darlene & Sean Bradberry

December 10, 2020

We are sorry to hear about Walter's passing! Walter was a joy to know and fun to be around. He is truly a loss to everyone that knew him!

December 10, 2020

So sorry to hear about your loss. You know that God and Jesus are in the best position to comfort us when we lose a loved one in death.

Sheila Hohmann

December 10, 2020

Walter was a TRULY nice guy. Always enjoyed speaking with him through our financial meetings and when we saw him around town. I know he will be truly missed, but also know he left many with his kindness and warm heart just from being a part of his live. Our condolences to family and friends. Sheila and Russ Hohmann

Carlo La Fiandra

December 10, 2020

I am very sad about Walter‘s passing he was truly a great man to work with.

Judy Hoffman

December 9, 2020

I'm so sorry to hear of Walter's passing. I got to know him when I was working at Starbucks. He was a regular there are was always smiling, always pleasant and always a joy. I enjoyed hearing him talk about his family- he was so proud of all of them! And he was never shy about expressing his joy in his wife and the life he'd been blessed with. I know he's left a big empty space in everyone's heart. My prayers for his family.

Rick Cutler

December 9, 2020

Walter was a true friend to so many! Always willing to jump in and help
With any activity. Will surely be missed. Prayers for the family during these times!

Mickey Wilkins

December 9, 2020

Walter was an amazing human being. I met Walter first from his mother-in-law and then he was my financial advisor. Walter had such a warm and outgoing personality. he never made you feel like anything but friend or family. My heart goes out to the family. Heaven is blessed to have him. Those that had the pleasure of meeting him and knowing him are blessed! May the Lord give his Grace to the family.

December 9, 2020

So sorry to hear about your loss. You know that God and Jesus are in the best position to comfort us when we lose a loved one in death.

Joey Ferree

December 9, 2020

My prayers are with Walter's family. Walter was a good man, a good classmate, and a good teammate. The Farmers have lost a good one.

Maria Baker

December 9, 2020

Ms. Leslie and Walter's family, my heart breaks for you. Walter's loss is unimaginable. I've known Walter since South Morrison & Warwick HS. He was a lover of life and so full of energy - he could make you excited about anything he was passionately talking about. I've never met a man that spoke so openly about his love for his wife, Leslie, and his family. He was so proud of being a husband, father, and grandfather. I enjoyed our appointments at Morgan Stanley - they have lost a dear friend and colleague. I'm praying for you all.

Amy Rankin

December 9, 2020

so glad to have our friendship with Walter. one of the nicest people I've ever known. we will never forget you, Walter! Heaven will enjoy your coffee, cocktails and great cooking! Our Deepest Sympathy to Leslie, Felicia and the Grubbs family. He was so proud of his grandchildren.

Amy Rankin

December 9, 2020

wonderful man and friend. so glad to have known him all these years in Isle of Wight County. Heaven gained an true angel. we love you Walter! The coffee, the cocktails, the food just got better up in Heaven

Tracy Hassell

December 9, 2020

Where do I begin? Walter was the best boss I've ever worked for! We shared the love of practical jokes and he, by far was the best competitor I have come against (hid my car...priceless) Was MOH at their wedding but over the past few years I mostly ran into Walter at Starbucks and just to see his put a smile on everyone's face. Everyone knew him, he was that person, another thing we shared was the ability to start conversations with strangers. What's that saying...talk the horns off a billy goat. One other thing we shared was a love for Leslie. His way more intense and so deep and unconditional, there was never a doubt that Leslie was the love of his life!
Walter is the epitome of "only the good die young".

Kim Klages

December 9, 2020

Walter was one of the best bosses I had during my time at Smthfield Foods Healthcare, he was fair, honest and kind. So sorry for your loss.

Roy Wilkinson

December 8, 2020

My heart aches with the news of Walter's passing. I am privileged to call him my friend. I remenber the many dinners with Leslie and Walter, his passion for life, and his care and concern for others. A true gentleman and patriot. I'm sure you have an awesome cart for heaven's back nine. Prayers of comfort for Leslie. Cheers buddy!

Gloria Maddux

December 8, 2020

A man of integrity, and the best financial adviser. God has another angel. Rest in Peace, and God's blessings to the family. He loved you and spoke of you often.

Pete Yanson

December 8, 2020

Always enjoyed working with Walter in productions at SLT. He was a good man.

David Bowen

December 8, 2020

Walter, was a dear friend, with whom I shared countless rounds of golf, cocktails, humor and sentimental conversations. His passing floored me. I loved him like a brother and will miss him like one. To my brother, Walter, "God Speed." God is with you and with us and Leslie during this difficult time. We shall meet again sometime, somewhere. I hope there is golf up there. Let me know. Send me a sign. Four triple bogeys in a row is a "no" and a single birdie is a yes. I love you and will miss you dearly.

Roxane Ackley

December 8, 2020

Dear Walter. You were always a young man of integrity and of great humor!!! You were the SCA President at South Morrison Elementary School and the SCA President of Warwick High School!!! You were always our Leader. We Love You and will always remember you. Many Blessings to your family. WHS 1971

Elizabeth Markiewicz

December 8, 2020

Walter is a very bright light and he lived with in God’s grace. He will be missed greatly. Walter allowed Mama and me to be part of his family. He watched out for us and protected us. Leslie and Felicia, we are there for you and all of Walter’s family. Love and grace wrap around you. God bless. Love, Elizabeth and Pat

Arnold Pluess

December 8, 2020

Thank you for your excellent counsel and friendship over the past 20 years. We shared sadness and joy together and will miss you.
Arnie & Patti Pluess
Appreciative Clients.

John Schindel

December 8, 2020

Walter was a friend at Warwick High School and we remained friends through Reunions and Facebook. He was a loving family man and I'm sure he will be missed terribly by them. I hope once this Pandemic is over that your full family can meet at the new beach house he was so proud of. Condolences to you all and all his "Farmer" friends as well.

Anthony Stallings

December 8, 2020

Happy trails to my brother from another mother. I am so sorry Leslie.

Since Walter moved into the neighborhood when we were 8 I have never failed to always enjoy his company. He is missed

Cyndie Fernandez

December 8, 2020

Walter took such good care of himself and shared his healthy recipes! I’m so surprised by his passing. He had such a love of life and was so looking forward and excited about his beach house. He passed way too soon. I remember when Walter & I won 3rd place in a dance contest at the spring festival South Morrison Elementary school either 6th or 7th grade (can’t remember). He was student body President at Warwick and was loved by all. Rest In Peace sweet friend. He will be sadly missed. My condolences to Leslie and the family.

CJ Carder

December 8, 2020

My wife and I had the privilege of meeting Walter on a company business trip in Chicago a couple of years ago. It was immediately obvious how much he loved his family, and the passion and enthusiasm with which he went about his daily life. I only got to spend a few hours in total talking with Walter but will always remember him as an example of how I'd like to live my life as well.

Patti Hornsby

December 8, 2020

Dear Leslie,
I cannot fully express the sorrow that I feel for you at this time. No one can ever replace Walter. He was just Amazing. I am praying for you and your families during this period of grief and readjustment. Walter will be deeply missed by so many. I’m just a phone call away.
Big love, prayers and hugs coming your way.
Patti Threatt Hornsby

Georgia Kineman

December 8, 2020

Such a wonderful man. So kind and friendly. We will miss you sir.
Ron & Georgia Kineman
Appreciative Clients

Diane Wash

December 8, 2020

We moved to the neighborhood just a few years ago and got to know Walter and Leslie. We enjoyed the driveway socials this past year and will miss his friendship and wonderful humor. Prayers for his family

Georgia Kineman

December 8, 2020

Such a wonderful man. So kind and friendly. We will miss you sir.
Ron & Georgia Kineman

Katherine Davis

December 8, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. So very sorry for you and know that our prayers are with you.

Vicki Guthmiller

December 8, 2020

Walter, the news of your death, made my heart skip a beat. I enjoyed our sharing of recipes and political views, Facebook exchanges. You were so full of life and truly a gentleman. Seeing you posting pictures of yummy meals and cocktails Leslie had made for you. Prayers to all your love ones, in these coming days. RIP my Friend.

Cathy Lerner Fond

December 8, 2020

I am so sorry for you loss. I knew Walter from years ago from Temple and then re-introduced to you all at Susie and Tommy Jones house. My prayers to you all.

Tom Chamberlain

December 8, 2020

Leslie, so sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

mitzi turlington

December 8, 2020

To Walter's whole family, may you find peace and comfort in the wonderful memories of Walter, He was a very special person to so many and I will always see his beautiful smile in my memories.

Trudy White

December 8, 2020

Leslie, may the thoughts and prayers from others bring you and your family comfort and strength. Walter was such a kind man. He will be missed. Trudy White

Kathy Coppedge

December 8, 2020

Sending love and prayers to Walter's family. He is an example of the very best human being one can be, and memories of his life will remain with all of us WHS Farmers.
Kathy Bowles Coppedge

Pat (Seymour) Pack

December 7, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. As one of your Warwick High school classmates, I always thought you were such an intelligent guy who had a great personality and I just knew you would do very well in life...and you did. May you rest in peace Walter. Thank you for always bringing us together.

Walter and his daughter, Jennifer

Jennifer Mathes

December 7, 2020

Walter and his grandchildren

Jennifer Mathes

December 7, 2020

Walter and his son, Erik

Jennifer Mathes

December 7, 2020

Leslie Messick Grubbs

December 7, 2020

Hi Sweetie, it's me Leslie. "I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck." I miss you, there is a huge hole in my heart these days. You are my sunshine and I look for you in every corner and crevice of this house. Your smile melted away all the problems of the day. I cannot believe you are gone so soon. I love you now, forever and always my sunshine.

Steve & Mary Harbick

December 7, 2020

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Walt and your family. God bless.

Annie and Glenn Beck

December 7, 2020

Where do I begin? Walter looked after me as if I were a family member and my welfare was always the most important thing to him. Glenn and I loved the time we spent together, his smile was so infectious and he had such a positive outlook on life you couldn’t help but be energized in his presence. The world has lost a warm and kind man but Heaven has gained a star.

GLENN WIGGS

December 7, 2020

So very, very sorry to hear this sad news. Walter was a fireball and we always enjoyed talking to and working with him. He added a personal, family touch to his financial dealings with us and we retired two years ago largely to his advice and guidance! Our condolences to his family and co-workers!

Evelyn Coleman McCaskill

December 7, 2020

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Walter always took upon himself to keep the Farmer reunions something to look forward too! He will truly be missed Evelyn Coleman McCaskill

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Dec

10

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Little's Funeral Home and Cremation Service - Smithfield

1515 S. Church Street, Smithfield, VA 23430

Dec

11

Graveside service

2:00 p.m.

St Luke's Memorial Park

Smithfield, VA

Funeral services provided by:

Little's Funeral Home and Cremation Service - Smithfield

1515 S. Church Street, Smithfield, VA 23430

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