Walter Jackson Joines

Walter Jackson Joines, age 87, of Galax, Virginia passed away at his home on the early afternoon of Friday, September 25, 2026, surrounded by his son and daughter-in -law. Born on October 19, 1938, in the city of Galax to Rufus Talmadge and Bertha Lee Brooks Joines, he spent his early years in the Galax area attending Galax High School. As a young man, Jackie joined the United States Navy in 1956 and served until 1961 and continued with the Navy Reserves until 1961. In 1959 he was married to Mary Elizabeth Wooten who preceded him in death on April 23, 2026, following 67 years of marriage. Jackie’s family was completed with the birth of his only child in 1961. Jackie will be remembered as a dedicated worker who devoted his talents to several different companies throughout the years. He was manager of the Pilot Oil Company serving in both the Hillsville and Galax locations. While he was also a truck driver for the Pepsi Corporation, he will best be remembered for his years at Jack and Lib’s Knives at the Yadkinville Flea Market where he forged a host of friendships with knife collecting enthusiast which lasted throughout his life. Following his retirement from the knife company, he returned to work to the Baywood School for two years where was the “self-proclaimed Librarian” who was devoted to assisting students who needed a little extra help! With his public working years behind him, he was able to devote much of his time to leisure activities which included hunting both deer and groundhog, fishing, and any other activity that enabled him to be outdoors. Even in his last days, he could be found in his wheelchair basking in the sun bragging on his suntan! Jackie will be remembered for his sense of humor. He delighted in playing a joke on anybody who would fall victim to his scheme. Because of the dedication of his son and daughter-in-law, and the kindness of his niece and neighbor, Jackie was able to spend his final days at his home.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Mitchell and Ginger Joines of Warrensville, NC, three grandchildren, Stephanie Joines of Galax, VA, Derrick and Jillian Joines of Charleston, SC, and Devon Waltman of Concord, NC; two brothers, Gayle and Frances Joines of Galax and Victor and Louise Joihnes of Greensboro, NC, one special niece and caring neighbor, Cathy Larrowe of Galax, VA; a host of extended relatives and friends also survive.

The family will receive friends on Friday evening, October 2, 2026, from 6:00 -8:00 at the Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Sam Holder officiating. Burial will follow in the Joines Cemetery in the Whitehead Community of Alleghany County with Military Honors presented by the Grayson County VFW Post #7726 and the United States Navy.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest that memorial contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758516 Topeka Kanas 66675.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Joines family.