Walter Rice Lunsford, a son of Walter Irvine and Ruth Moneymaker Lunsford, was born in Fairfield on Feb. 24, 1935, and died March 14, 2026, at Augusta Health. 

He attended elementary school, grades 1-5 in Fairfield, then transferred to Brownsburg in the sixth grade. He graduated from Brownsburg High School in June of 1954. 

He was a star athlete in baseball all four years of high school and also played basketball. Walter also played baseball in the Rockbridge County League and later in the Virginia Amateur League in addition to playing two nights a week at the Bustleburg Ball Field. While in school he was active in the FFA, the Glee Club and the school annual staff. 

He first worked for the Rockbridge County News which later became The News-Gazette. After 25 years, he retired from The News-Gazette on a Friday, then became the press operator the following Monday with the Kappa Alpha Order National Administrative Office where he spent 27 years. He made many lasting friendships with both organizations. 

Walter was a true outdoorsman, spending time hunting deer, turkey and doves with his son, son-in-law, the Bustleburg Hunt Club and many friends from Staunton and other areas. 

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Doris Blackwell Lunsford; three children, Phil Lunsford, Jeanne Painter (Thad), and Greg Lunsford; and three grandchildren, Ashley Painter (Buddie), Ali Painter Engleman, and Katelyn Lunsford. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Ellie, Oliver, and Preston Engleman. In addition, he is survived by his brother, Eugene Lunsford, and sister-in-law, Linda Jean, for whom the family is deeply thankful for her love and countless hours of support, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, March 21, at New Providence Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Loren Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held in the church fellowship hall after the service.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.