Walter “Doc” Burton Altizer, Jr, 78, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, with his wife of 46 years by his side. He was born in Covington, Virginia, on December 28, 1942, the son of Walter Burton and Elizabeth Payne Altizer. In addition to his parents, Doc was preceded in death by three brothers; Garland, Herman “Buzzy,” and infant brother, Wayne Altizer.
He is survived by his wife, Sarah Persinger Altizer of Martinsville, Virginia; children, Sallie Altizer Hinson (Angus) of Raleigh, NC; Whitney Payne Altizer (Lindsay) of Saipan, MP; and Rebecca Altizer Allen (Darrin) of Stokesdale, NC; grandchildren, Walter, Frances Gray, and Rebecca Hinson; Finn and Poppy Altizer; and Jasper, Henry, and Liesel Allen; a sister Doris Altizer and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Doc spent a majority of his accounting career at Tultex Corporation, but also worked for Fieldcrest-Cannon and Bassett Furniture. He was a Sergeant in the United States Army Reserves. He was a dedicated husband, father, brother and friend; a beloved co-worker; a proud member of Covington High School Class of 1960; an Elder and active member of First Presbyterian Church in Eden and Martinsville; founding member of the YMCA Adventure Guides Program in Martinsville; and a tireless and enthusiastic coach to his kids and hundreds of other youth in Gastonia, NC, and Martinsville. He loved hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway with his family and friends, and traveling near and far to watch nieces, nephews and grandchildren pursue their talents. Always quick to offer a smile, lend a helping hand, or map out your next great adventure, Doc will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
A rolling visitation is planned for Saturday, February 27, 2021, from 10-3 pm at McKee-Stone Funeral Home - Martinsville, VA. Due to COVID-19 regulations, the family will not be present. A private interment of cremains will be made at Persinger Memorial Cemetery, Potts Creek, Covington, Virginia.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the amazing staff and nurses of King’s Grant Retirement Community and to the exceptional nurses, aides, and staff of Mountain Valley Hospice for their loving support and care during the final months of Doc’s life.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to the following organizations: Piedmont Youth Soccer League, 1000 Irisburg Rd., Axton, VA 24054; this will provide need-based scholarships for kids who otherwise would not be able to play; The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014, (800) 708-7644, or visit Doc's Tribute page; or a local charitable organization of your choosing.
