Walter Ralph Looney

Walter Ralph Looney, Jr, age 78, of Mt. Airy, Georgia, passed away on Friday, August 23, 2024.

Mr. Looney was born on June 22, 1946, in Cornelia, Georgia, to the late Walter and Virginia McDonald Looney. In addition to his parents , he was preceded in death by a brother, Jerry Van Horn.

On June 21, 1946, a baby boy arrived at the Arrendale Medical Clinic on No Main Street in Cornelia, Georgia. He was entrusted to Mary Virginia McDonald, a former World War II Rosie the Riveter and her husband, Walter Looney, Sr., a former World War II Army tank Sergeant. They would be known as two members of the greatest generation America has ever known. He was named after his father, and the timing of his birth would mark him as a member of the babyboomer generation. He would be privy to some of the greatest events that the world would ever know.

As he grew he attended Mt. Airy and Cornelia Elementary Schools, South Habersham High School, Piedmont College, and UGA. However, his greatest achievement was not in his academic endeavors, but in meeting his future wife, Brenda Melton, in their third grade classroom. They would find themselves by each others' side throughout their remaining years. Along the way they would be blessed with two daughters, Ashlee Robin and Stephanie Renee. A young man Carl, would arrive later to change Renee's last name to Dann. Their marriage would be blessed with four grandchildren — Carson, Mattie, Cole, and Brenna. The love and memories they brought to Walter and Brenda abounded throughout the years.

Unlike many babyboomers, Walter lived his entire life within the confines of Mt Airy, as he pursued a career in the field of education. Having never planned upon his work as a teacher and principal, he began to realize that God is a God of surprises. Upon his retirement, he began to devote his time to gardening and carpentry. He and Brenda spent countless hours rescuing an old Victorian from the wrecking ball, teaching him patience and humility — virtues he sorely needed.

His life as a Jesus follower, husband, father, grandfather, and mentor to those who God sent into his life, was sometimes challenging. However, it was made much easier by his reliance upon the One who had always been there for him.

Survivors include his wife of fifty eight years, Brenda M. Looney, Mt. Airy, Georgia; children, Robin Looney and Renee Looney (Carl) Dann: grandchildren: Carson Dann, Mattie ( Jason) Leviner, Cole Dann and Brenna Dann; sister, Linda Brown, of Covington, Georgia and three nephews. Many cousins round out the family group.

On August 23, 2024 he departed this world for another — far, far better than any he had ever known. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date, with his ashes laid to rest in Eastview Cemetery in Mt. Airy. This is an appropriate location, as this was the frequent playground for him and his siblings during hi younger days.

For those wishing to do so, memorials can be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital P. O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929.

He leaves behind a life not always perfect, family and friends dear to his heart, and a quotation that he carried in his heart for many years:

"There will be a special reward in Heaven for those who have not taken themselves, nor the world too seriously --- God sings and we just hum along."

Shalom.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, South Chapel at 1370 Industrial Boulevard, Baldwin, Georgia 30511. Telephone:706-778-7123.