Walter Preston Edmiston

Walter Preston Edmiston, Jr., age 70, passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at Bristol Regional Medical Center after a brief illness. He was a lifelong resident of Abingdon. Walter graduated from Abingdon High School, Class of 1970, and Virginia Highlands Community College, where he received his associate degree. He worked as an engineer for 36 years with VDOT and in the private sector until just this past year. Walter was a minister of the Baptist faith and visited area nursing homes on Sundays to deliver God’s word.

An all-around outdoorsman, he enjoyed his time in nature through hunting, fishing, and competitive shooting. He was a long-standing member of Kettlefoot Rod & Gun Club and was a Safety Officer for many Virginia State IDPA matches.

He loved dearly and was dearly loved by his family. They remember him as being warm, guiding, supportive, giving, and a jokester for always trying to get a “rise” from his grandchildren.

Walter was predeceased by his wife Cheryl Ann, parents Walter, Sr. and Nellie Widener Edmiston, sisters Cynthia and Delores Edmiston.

He is survived by his sons Rick and wife Rhonda of Abingdon, Josh and wife Britney of Norton, grandchildren Tanner Armstrong, Lily Edmiston, Dalton and Hunter Crider, Abigail Edmiston, Cassandra Lampkins and family, stepchildren Nina and Tommy Craft, Barbara and Buddy Craft and Wayne Bishop and family.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Sunday, January 8, 2023, at Farris Funeral Service, Main Street location, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, Va. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 9, 2023, at Forest Hills Memory Gardens, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, Va. with Pastor Rick Mabe officiating. Casket bearers will include Rick and Josh Edmiston, Tanner Armstrong, and Dalton Crider. Those attending are asked to be at the cemetery at least 15 minutes prior to the service.

The family of Walter Preston Edmiston, Jr. is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, Main Street location, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, Va.