Walter Thomas Young, affectionately called "Geezil", was born to the late Smith Obed Young and Marion Hale Young on June 28, 1931 in Caroline County, Virginia. God called him to Eternal Rest at his home on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at 8:32 a.m. surrounded by his daughter and three granddaughters.

Walter was educated in the Caroline County Public schools and graduated fromUnion High School in 1948 at the age of sixteen. After graduation, he attended Virginia Union University where in 1954, he earned a degree in History and English. In 1955, Walter began his teaching career at his former high school. Walter would often tell his grandchildren, especially his grandson "EJ", that when he started teaching his annual salary was only $1,800.

In 1960, he was joined in matrimony to the late Charlotte Wright Young. She preceded him in death in March of 2002 after forty-two years of marriage. In 1966, Walter joined Saint John Baptist Church and served faithfully as church treasurer, Sunday school teacher, men's chorus member, deacon, and trustee. He was ordained by Reverend W.G. Berryman and served as youth pastor.

In 1969, there were two very significant events in Walter's life. He became an assistant principal at Ladysmith High School in its first year of integration, and he and his late wife, Charlotte, became the proud parents of a baby girl.

In 1972, Walter received his Master's Degree in Education with a supervision and administration endorsement. He served as a principal at Bowling Green Elementary School and later, Ladysmith Elementary School. He retired from the Caroline County School System after 34 years of service. Walter always encouraged his family to pursue and take their education seriously. While he often worked to put himself through college, Walter never hesitated to provide financial support for his siblings and his extended family who were in college, as well as to others who needed a little assistance.

In 1999, he received his Masters of Divinity degree from Virginia Union University. Walter served as interim pastor for a number of churches in the community and surrounding counties. These churches include Ebenezer in Supply, Virginia; Ebenezer in Chilesburg, Virginia; First Union in Beaverdam, Virginia; First Baptist Church of Love in Spotsylvania, Virginia, and Long Branch in Woodford, Virginia. Over the years, as a resident of Caroline County, Walter served on the School Board, the Board of Supervisors and the George B. Ruffin Scholarship Committee. Walter's commitment to his community and the well-being of others was evident in the life he lived and the lives he impacted.

Walter loved sports and could frequently be found at high school basketball games, CIAA college tournaments, or in front of the television watching his favorite Dallas Cowboys. He was also an avid fisherman and did so until his health failed.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Lois Minor; brothers, William, Smith, and Joseph Young; sister-in-law, Erlena Mason; brothers-in-law, Eugene Claiborne, Carlton Akins, William Young, Lenwood and Alfred Johnson, Joseph Mason, and Carl Wright.

Walter leaves cherished memories to: one daughter, Candace Foxx and son-in-law Everett Foxx with whom he lived; four grandchildren, Everett "EJ", Samiya, Simone and Sierra; two great-granddaughters, Neveah Charlotte and Journi Love' three sisters, Helen Claiborne, Yvonne Akins, and Frances Glover (Edward); five sisters-in-law, Louise Young, Patricia Young, Gwendolyn Young, Daphne Johnson, and Julia Johnson; two brothers-in-law, Steve Wright (Louise), Gilbert Minor; two God daughters, Daphne Johnson (Daniel) and Debbie Williams; two extremely devoted friends, Roland and Helen Johnson; a very special caregiver, Cambridge Ware; and host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

A viewing will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at C.W. Edwards Funeral Home, Inc. 16476 Richmond Turnpike, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427 with a Christian Wake from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

A Memorial Service Celebrating the Life of Reverend Young will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Caroline High School, 19155 Rogers Clark Boulevard, Milford, Virginia 22514.