Courtland - Walter Luther Young Jr, 85, of Courtland, Virginia, passed away peacefully on January 30th. He was the son of Maude Griffin Young and Walter Young Sr.

Walter was raised on a dairy farm and spent his life devoted to his family's pursuits. Over the years, he raised dairy cattle, hogs, beef cattle, and row crops. He married Betty Sue Lowe in 1960, and they spent 65 wonderful years together. He had a servant's heart and was incredibly active in his community. He served on the Southampton County Board of Supervisors, the Southampton County Fair Board, and with the Virginia Pork Producers Association. Walter was a founder and a life-long supporter of 4H. Seeing his own children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and members of the community's youth participate in 4H livestock brought him great joy. He was a supporter of the American Agriculture Movement and enjoyed hunting with his family and friends.

Above all, Walter was a man of faith. He and Betty Sue joined Sycamore Baptist Church when they settled into the Franklin community. He was a Sunday school teacher, a deacon, and a trustee at the church. He was a supporter of youth and children's ministry and enjoyed contemporary Christian music. Walter will always be remembered for the beautiful blessings he led. Speaking with the Lord came so naturally to him, and he began every prayer by encouraging everyone to join hands.

Walter's deepest delight and inspiration came from his family. At any given moment, he could trace his lineage back for generations and share countless stories about his predecessors. Walter took great pride in his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. He will always be remembered for the love and devotion he showed to his family, his dedication and service to his church and community, and for his renowned barbecue sauce.

Walter is survived by his wife, Betty Sue; his sister, Annie Lee Duff; his four children, Walt, Susan, Holly, and Chris; his eight grandchildren, Lyndsay, Erin, Janie, Brooke, Savannah, River, Luke, and Lane; and his eight great-grandchildren, Rose, Ruby, Daphne, Rutledge, Henry, August, Tatum, and Griffin.

Donations can be made in his honor to 4H livestock (29053 Bethany School Road, Franklin VA 23851) or Sycamore Baptist Church (31120 Sycamore Church Rd, Franklin, VA 23851).

A celebration of life will be held at Sycamore Baptist Church on Friday, February 6th at 2pm. Burial will follow in Southampton Memorial Park.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org