Walter Albert Marston Jr.

MARSTON, Walter Albert Jr., departed this life on January 12, 2024, after a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Irene Marston, and father, Walter A. Marston Sr. He is survived by his beloved fiance, Mary Lou Magill of Midlothian, son John Marston of Washington DC, daughter Elizabeth Marston Bollinger of Midlothian, Mary Lou's daughters Jennifer Archer and husband Terrance of North Carolina, and Courtney Buck and husband Charles of New York. Walter left behind eight beloved grandchildren; Logan Bollinger, Mackenzie Bollinger, Finley Bollinger, Will Archer, Olivia Archer, Jack Archer, Everleigh Buck and Caroline Buck. He is also survived by his two sisters Delores Young of Front Royal, Virginia and Phyllis Clark of Woodstock, Virginia. Walter also left behind numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and his faithful canine companion Sammy.

Walter was born on March 1, 1944, and raised in the Shenandoah Valley and attended Stonewall Jackson high school. He enjoyed referring to himself as "just a boy from Mount Jackson." His family was of modest means, and Walter strove hard to put himself through college, graduating in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from George Washington University. From there, Walter attended the University of Virginia School of Law in Charlottesville earning his law degree in 1969. Walter joined the law firm of Hazel & Thomas in 1977, where he embarked on a legal career in beverage alcohol that would span the next forty-plus years.

Walter continued to grow his expertise as a partner at the law firm of Reed Smith following its merger with Hazel & Thomas in 1999. In 2007, Walter left Reed Smith and, with former Reed Smith colleague Kevin McNally, opened Marston & McNally, P.C., a boutique law firm catering exclusively to the needs of the alcoholic beverage community. Walter continued to actively represent both the VWWA and VBWA and their members in matters before the Virginia ABC and General Assembly through 2020, until adopting Emeritus Status in 2021. Even then, Walter continued to serve Virginia through his pro bono efforts assisting veterans establish their wills and estates. Throughout his career Walter delivered sound legal advice and patient, skilled mentoring to generations of Virginia business owners and attorneys. Walter never failed to leaven his teachings with a winding tale from his bursting archive or work in a corny "dad joke" to the delight, and occasional groan, from his audience.

Walter enjoyed a variety of hobbies including wood working, gardening, sailing, camping, tennis, and playing guitar. He applied the same skill and attention to detail to those hobbies that he demonstrated in his professional life. He crafted intricate pieces of furniture and beautifully designed and maintained gardens at his home in Richmond VA. He enjoyed sports and cheered for the University of Virginia sports teams. He was especially fond of baseball and maintained his collection of cards dating back to Ted Williams' rookie season of 1939. He also enjoyed travel and took his family on frequent trips to Sanibel Island Florida and Hilton Head South Carolina.

Walter will rest in peace in the beloved Shenandoah Valley of his childhood. Services will be held at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in his home town of Mount Jackson, Virginia on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 1 p.m. Donations to Walter's favorite charity, St. Jude's, can be made in lieu of flowers.