Kingrea, Walter Howard

Walter Howard Kingrea, 79, formerly of Pilot, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 10, 2013. Born in Christiansburg on July 21, 1934, he lived most of his life near and around the Roanoke area, and later moved to Tennessee to be closer to his children.

He was the son of the late Hosea and Alma Kingrea. He was preceded in death by half-brothers, Earl Kingrea, Mallie Kingrea, June Kingrea, and Lewis Anderson; and half- sisters, Freida Hungate, Louise Hamblin, Claudy Eanes, Lela Craft, and Beulah Kurley.

Survivors include son Rodney Kingrea (Lisa); daughter, Sonia Kingrea; very special friend and companion, Pat Franklin; sister, Helen Dillard; grandchildren, Justin, Cara, and Madison Kingrea; and many nieces and nephews.

He graduated from Check High School in Floyd County, Virginia, served in the United States Air Force in Japan as an air traffic controller and later worked as a skilled iron worker and craftsman for All-Steel Fabricators, where he helped design and build the hand and guard railing at the Salem Memorial Stadium. He enjoyed watching Virginia Tech football and listening to country and bluegrass music.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2013, in the Horne Funeral Home Chapel, Christiansburg with the Rev. Kenneth Kingrea officiating. Interment will follow at Huffville Cemetery, Floyd. The family will receive friends on Saturday from noon until 2 p.m.

An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.hornefuneralservice.com.