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Walter Allen Harrow Jr.

Walter Allen Harrow Jr., 87, of Deltaville, went peacefully to be with the Lord on Christmas Eve 2020.

He was preceded in death by his parents, W. Allen (Speck) Harrow and Nancy (Nan) Gathright Harrow.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Betty Mothershead Harrow; and three children, Susan Short (Charlie), Sharon Brann (Reggie), and Allen Harrow (Cathy); seven grandchildren, Matthew Brann (Jessica), David Barban (Amanda), Kathryn Scott (Jarrod), Lauren Steele (Burke), Philip Barban, Lindsay Harrow, and Leigh Harrow; four great-grandchildren, Taylor Brann, Connor Brann, Luke Barban, and Joshua Scott; brother, Garland Harrow (Diane); sister, Doris Norton (Sheldon); and sister-in-law, Nancy Hinson (Orren).

Walter had deep roots in Virginia. A product of Middlesex County schools, Walter earned degrees from the University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University. He was ordained to the Gospel ministry by Zoar Baptist Church in 1955 and pastored Perkins Baptist Church, Fife, from 1956-1958. He studied additionally at Virginia Tech, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, the College of William and Mary, and the University of Virginia.

Professionally, Walter was respected as one of Virginia’s leading educators for more than 30 years. He began his teaching career in 1960 as a Social Studies teacher and guidance counselor in King William and King and Queen counties. He later served as principal, director of Instruction and assistant school superintendent of Middlesex County and later as superintendent of both Middlesex and Essex counties public schools. Finally, he served as superintendent of Essex County Public Schools until his retirement in June 1990. Among his recognition within the commonwealth’s educational community, Walter served as president of the Virginia Association of School Administrators in 1981-1982 and contributed over time to an array of Department of Education committees on transportation, standards, accreditation, testing and evaluations.

In community volunteer and local church roles, Walter’s leadership enriched many groups, including president of Lower Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department, the Deltaville Improvement Association, and the Middlesex Lion’s Club and Little League teams.  Walter was well known as the captain of the charter boat “Miss Nan.” He was an avid fisherman and a mentor to many on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. He served as chairman of the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act.

Walter served as a director of the Middlesex County Volunteer Rescue Squad, a trustee of the University of Richmond, and a trustee of the John Leland Center for Theological Studies. For more than a half century he was a leader in Zoar Baptist Church with extensive service as deacon, treasurer, Sunday school teacher, choir member and trustee.

Walter blessed the Virginia and world-wide Baptist families. He was a member of the Baptist Mission Board of Virginia from 1988-1991, chairing the Business Affairs, Budget, State Mission Offering, Salary Scale, and Denominational Relations committees. In 1993, Walter served as president of the Baptist General Association of Virginia and was a constant friend to Camp Piankatank with his leadership and devotion. Camp Piankatank honored him by naming one of the lodges as the Harrow Lodge in honor of Walter and Betty because of their commitment and friendship. Internationally, he served on the Audit Committee and as a consultant to the general secretary of the Baptist World  Alliance.

After his retirement from education, Walter worked at the Baptist Mission Board and served as the associate executive director and chief information officer until his final retirement in 2013. He appreciated and enjoyed fulfilling his role as a Kingdom worker.

A private graveside service was conducted on Dec. 28, 2020.  A celebration of life service will be announced at a later date.

Memorial gifts may be made to Zoar Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1010, Deltaville, VA 23043 or Camp Piankatank,1586 Stampers Bay Road, Box 435, Hartfield, VA 23071.

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