Gerald Ward Via

August 03, 1954 - April 06, 2021

It is with much sadness that we announce that Gerald Ward Via, of Roanoke, VA passed away Tuesday, April 6th, 2021. Gerald graduated from Floyd County High School and National Business College. Gerald leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Vicky Walters Via, his daughter, Melissa Via Johnson, and three grandchildren, Ashleigh, Emma, and Eli of Fincastle. He is also survived by his parents, Theodore and Louise Compton Via of Floyd, VA. A brother, Mark (Karen) Via of Floyd, and a sister, Sarah (Michael) Browning of Copper Hill, Va. His nephews, Ryan (Sarah) Browning of Daleville, VA, and Matthew (Stephanie) Browning of Troutville, Va. His nieces, Trisha (Chris) Heidt of Floyd, Va, Angela (Mike) Myers of Floyd, Patricia Moore of Roanoke, VA, and Laura Lee (Brandon) Allen of Floyd, Va. Several great-nieces and nephews. In-laws, John and Bonnie Dunn of Roanoke, Va. Sister-in-law, Cathy (Wendell) Sowers of Christiansburg. Gerald was the past president of the Jubal Early Preservation Trust, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Fincastle Rifles, past Vice-President of the Floyd County Historical Society, past member of the Floyd County Preservation Trust, and Hanging Rock in Salem. Gerald loved being with all his family. He enjoyed people and telling them a story. The center of his universe, he always said was The Saddle overlook on the parkway. He loved to go listen to his friends play bluegrass music. Gerald will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Services will be held Friday, April 9th at 1:00 pm, at Gardner Funeral Home in Floyd, VA. There will visitation 1 ½ hours before the funeral. Interment will follow at the Lee Cemetery, Tuggles Gap. Services will be conducted by Rev. Jeff Dalton. In lieu of flowers, Gerald wanted donations to be made to the Floyd County Historical Society, P.O. Box 292, Floyd, Va. 24091. If you choose to come to the services, please wear a face mask inside of the facilities due to COVID-19.

So saddened to learn of Gerald's passing. We grew up in the same neighborhood, and our families were friends. He was a little younger, but I remember him well. I believe he had a little band once called "The Silver Feather" or something very similar. Prayers for his family and many friends.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. Regina Smith

Holding all of you close in my heart during this loss. Gerald truly was a caring and loving soul. His presence amongst us will be remembered with smiles and reverence.

Deepest sympathy for your loss. May you find comfort.

Dear Vicky, My heart is broken for all of you. I know how difficult this is and am praying for you. I'll call you later after things seettle down a bit. Love, Mary Lou

I did not know Gerald a long time but what time i spent with him was always a lot of enjoyable conversation. I admired him for the Time he would take in preserving our culture and history. RIP my friend see you on the other side Dave

My deepest sympathy to all of Gerald's family. Gerald was such a special person. I will surely miss him.

I am so sorry for y’all lost We praying for y’all

My condolences to the family for your loss. Gerald was like family to Dink and Freeda Wimmer's family as he spent a lot of time with us during his younger years. I know he will be missed. God Bless.

I'm so saddened by this news. So many memories of Gerald from high school to college to being fraternity brothers. What a great guy that I know will be sorely missed. Prayers for Vicky and family during this time.

Junior I’m Agnes’s girl Love you and Louise so much May the lord bless you with peace in your heart

So sorry to hear of Gerald's passing. May God comfort you all in the name and power of the resurrection of Jesus our Lord. I connected with Gerald in Roanoke at work with the bank. He was instrumental helping me provide benefit for the Jubal A. Early Preservation Trust. Thankful for his historical work in Floyd, as well. He will be sorely missed. Steve M. Agee

My heart goes out to Vicky, Melissa and her children and other family members. Please except Charlotte and I sympathies.

My heart aches for family and friends.Gerald was such a kind and caring person.I will not be able to come to the service,but will be in touch soon Vicky...sending love and prayers...

So sorry, He and would sit talk and listen to Bluegrass Music. I will always remember those good times.

So sorry for the loss of another friend in life! I am sure his wife and children and his family will miss him dearly as we all miss ours dearly, but there’s coming a time we will soon see them again.

Truly saddened to hear this news. He is too young to be rest now. My payers go out to you Vicky and your families. Knowing Gerald as my boss and good friend I can’t believe I won’t get to hear his stories or history lessons any more. Gerald was genuine person with a big heart and many talents. RIP my friend.

Dear Via family, Bonnie and I are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Gerald. The Via family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear family, We are deeply sorry for your loss of Gerald. He was a special guy who will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of unbearable grief. Love, Nelcie, Linda, Chuck, Neal, Kim, Dylan, Drew

Our deepest sympathy to Vicky, Melissa, Aunt Louise, Uncle Theodore, Sarah, Mark and the entire Via family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. May God bless your families with peace and love.

What a great loss to Floyd County. Gerald will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences.

Rest in peace , Gerald. My condolences to Vicky and the family.

I am so very sorry to hear of Gerald’s passing. He was such a kind man and always had a smile to give everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. He will be deeply missed. Sincerely, Teresa Ferguson

I am so sorry that you have to endure the absence of Gerald

Vicky, we are sending our love to you and your family. We are so sorry!

I want to express to Gerald's family my sincere condolences. I was Nancy Slusher {Janet Keith's sister} and I began my teaching career in Floyd. Gerald was in my first class--a 5th grade, where he was a very nice kid & a good student. My sister has told me of the work he has done in the Floyd Historical Society. I am sending a contribution to the Historical Society in his name. Nancy Hanley 1700 Pennrock Rd. Wilmington, DE 19809