Mr. Eldridge Stephenson (Whitey) Stalnaker, age 79, of Covington, Virginia, died Monday, September 13, 2021 at his residence. He was the husband of Gladys Downey Stalnaker.

Mr. Stalnaker was born November 17, 1941 in Covington, the son of the late Gideon Stalnaker and Elsie Ryder Stalnaker.

He served his country as member of the Army National Guard before retiring after twenty-five years of service.

During his working career, Mr. Stalnaker was employed as a custodian by the Clifton Forge East School.

Whitey enjoyed working on model cars and puzzles in his spare time. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and his puppy, "Bell."

In addition to his wife of fifty-three years, Gladys, Mr. Stalnaker is survived by two sons, Charles Stalnaker and wife, Julie of Lynchburg and Timothy Stalnaker and wife, Tamara of Florida; two daughters, Cynthia "Cyndi" Tingler and husband, Moe and Debra Via and husband, Ryland, all of Covington; ten grandchildren, Tiffany Tingler, Amber Randozzo and husband, Dylan, Lucas Via and wife, Kristina, Andrew Via, Darren Via, Dustin Stalnaker, Rhiannon Stalnaker, Gavin Stalnaker, Ivan Stalnaker and Marvin Thompson; five great grandchildren, LexieTingler, Colten Randozzo, Ty Randozzo, Kyleigh Via, and Alyssa Via; a sister, Frances Johnson; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Gideon and Elsie Stalnaker, Mr. Stalnaker was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Tonya Renee Tingler; two brothers, Louis Stalnaker and Charles Stalnaker; and four sisters, Opal Powell, Jerline Farley, Etha Altizer and Maxine Lockhart.

A funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 17, 2021 from the chapel of Loving Funeral Home with Joshua Kidd and Billy Kidd officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Lucas Via, Darren Via, Andrew Via, Dustin Stalnaker, Gavin Stalnaker and Dylan Randozzo.

The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Loving Funeral Home.

Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.