NOVEMBER 4 – On October 31, 2008, John Marshall Putney Jr. retired from life on this earth. Angels rejoiced as he was reunited with his beloved wife of 65 years, Dorothy Rhodes Putney; his parents, J. Marshall and Bessie Goodman Putney; brother, George and sister, Carrie Dowdy.

Born on a farm in Cumberland on January 12, 1915, John was 93, but those who knew him understand that he was at least 186 years old as he did everything double time. He loved to hunt and fish, garden, talk about growing up in Cumberland, and brag about his grandsons and their families. John passed these traditions to Bryan with wife Gail and, son Benneth and Christopher with wife Bethanne with daughter Adyson, sons of his only child, Alice and her husband, Wiley Coleman Metts.

John worked as an insurance agent for Virginia Farm Bureau from 1950 until 1977 when he retired to work at hunting and fishing. He set an example for the multitude who knew him by the Christian life he lived as an honest man who helped those who needed it, encouraged all to give their best, and walked the legs off anyone who tried to keep up with him while hunting. He gave to his community by doing volunteer work. He helped to found the Cumberland Rescue Squad and the Cumberland Public Library. He knew much about the history of Cumberland, started recording the local lore as the Historical Society began.

As a tribute to him, continue his love of living an honest life, working hard and playing often.

A memorial service was held on November 3 at Tar Wallet Church in Cumberland.

Please make donations to Cumberland 4-H, P.O. Box 80, Cumberland, VA 23040, or any youth organization to continue his tradition of passing on practical life skills.

Doyne-Burger-Davis Funeral Home, Farmville, is in charge of arrangements.