Walter "Dabney" Via died on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. He was born April 10, 1934, to Walter Via and Lottie Sandridge Via. He graduated from Crozet High School in 1952. In 1954, he married the love of his life, Nancy Funkhouser Via. They made Crozet their home. He spent his life as a grocer, starting at the Red Front, then IGA and eventually owning the Ridge Market – all in Crozet.  He retired in 1994 and continued to work part-time in various positions as he loved his interactions with others. He was a US Army veteran, a member of Mt. Moriah United Methodist Church, a lifetime member of the Crozet Volunteer Fire Department, and a lifetime member of the Crozet Sportsman's Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 67 years, Nancy, his brother, Allen, his sisters, Anne Via Wayland, Nancy Via Shipp and Beverly Via Wagner.

He is survived by his daughter Beth Via Hawkey of Burlington, NC, and his son David S. Via (Mary-Elizabeth James) of Crozet, VA, his grandchildren Michael Hawkey (Kaitlin), Andrew Hawkey (Lizz), W. Douglas Via, Elizabeth Via Finlay (Hocquard) and five great-grandchildren.

His family and friends, as well as the people of Crozet, were very important to him.  He was always very generous with his time, resources and food deliveries – which truly brought him joy. He really missed that when he and Nancy moved to Our Lady of Peace in Charlottesville.

The family would like to thank the staff at Our Lady of Peace for their loving care and attention during the last five years.  We would also like to thank the staff at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital and staff at Hospice of the Piedmont.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 3 pm, at Mt. Moriah Church, White Hall, VA. The family will receive visitors at a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Piedmont 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911.

Anderson Funeral Service in Crozet is in charge of arrangements.