Virgil Arthur Judd Jr.

Virgil Arthur Judd, Jr., born June 19, 1943, in Camden, New Jersey, to Virgil Arthur Judd, Sr. and Mary Ann Walters,passed away peacefully March 15, 2024, surrounded by loving family members in Phoenix, Arizona.

Virgil spent his early years in Pendleton, Oregon, and attended Pendleton High School. After dedicating 8 years with the Oregon National Guard, he worked as a draftsman for Spokane County, Washington. He welcomed his first child, Angela in 1968, followed by another daughter, Trina in 1971. Opportunities then took him to Valdez, Alaska and Anchorage, Alaska where he worked as a project engineer for the State of Alaska, Department of Transportation & Public Facilities.

While in Anchorage, Virgil met the love of his life, Virginia “Jeannie” DeVera Sales and their courtship led to the exchanging of vows on December 12, 1992, in Seattle, Washington. This union marked the beginning of their newly blended family to include Jeannie’s daughters, Catherine and Arleen. Following Virgil’s retirement from the State of Alaska in 1998, the Judds embarked on their retirement adventure. They initially settled in Sunriver, Oregon, then later moved to Walla Walla, Washington, and all the while spending 20 years as snowbirds in San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico. They finally chose Lake Havasu City, Arizona as their permanent residence in 2023.

Virgil was known for his warmth, kindness, silliness, and for the twinkle of his blue eyes. His sweet smile and genuine honesty left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Virgil’s legacy includes not only his love for dirt bike racing, boating, fishing, football, and NASCAR, but also his “creative problem-solving” skills – affectionately known as “What Would Virgil Do?” He enjoyed restoring classic vehicles, spending moments with family and friends, and discovering new culinary delights. Yet above all, Virgil’s heart belonged unequivocally to his wife, Virginia, his four daughters, and grandchildren. His love, resilience, and sense of adventure will be deeply treasured by all who have had the honor of knowing him.

Virgil was preceded in death by his father Virgil Arthur Judd, Sr., mother Mary Ann Walters-Lewandowski, and sister Sandy “Little Mary” Judd.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Virginia Judd, daughters: Angela (Chris) Dearing, Trina Judd, Catherine (Robert) Epperson, Arleen Sales, grandchildren: Danielle Dearing, Brendan Dearing, Madelyn Walker, Robert Walker, great grandson Bentley Walker, aunt Anna Walters Heins, uncle John Walters, brother Martin (Lisa) Judd, sister Donna Gorman, step-brothers: Michael Judd, Mitch Judd, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

A public graveside service will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024, 10:00 a.m., at Skyview Memorial Park in Pendleton, Oregon. Following the service, a celebration of Virgil’s life will take place at 640 E. Sherman Court in Athena, Oregon, at 1:00 p.m.