Milton L. Gwaltney, Sr.

The Life of Milton L. Gwaltney, Sr.

Milton L. Gwaltney, Sr. was born in Isle of Wight, VA, on April 15, 1937, to the late Hamilton (Buster) and Mattie Gwaltney of Dendron. On Friday, September 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of his children at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, VA, Milton safely transitioned into his new eternal life at the age of 89.

Milton's late wife, Hattie, was a humbled and God-fearing woman who stood faithfully by his side during some of his most difficult days, praying until he surrendered his will to God’s perfect plan. Once he surrendered, Milton never looked back. He never regretted giving up the fruits of the world for the fruits of God's Spirit.

Milton loved visitors and regularly visited people in the hospital even when he did not feel his best—even if it was someone he had only met one single time. His Bible was his best friend, which he visited with every day; they were never separated until the Word departed.

Milton is survived by five beautiful generations of family. He was preceded in death by his children: Emma Dean, Barbara Jean, Hamilton, and Milton Lee, Sr. His legacy continues through his surviving son, Milton Lee, Jr. (Mane); his eight grandchildren: Troy, Shenean, Brian, Sherry, Stacy, Torianne, Marcus, and Hamilton, Jr.; his 15 great-grandchildren; and his 3 great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a beloved host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Milton's ancestral legacy is deeply connected with the Gwaltney, Butler, Evans, and Moore families—all resting together on the sacred grounds of the Mt. Sinai Church Cemetery, tracing his roots back to the 1800s.

To the family he cherished, Milton leaves behind this final, urgent charge of faith and unity: "FAMILY, LET'S NOT LET THE SUN GO DOWN WITHOUT FORGIVENESS AND LOVE." KEEP TRUSTING AND BELIEVING IN GOD’S PROMISES, UNTIL YOU GET HIS YES AND AMEN!

The family wishes to honor Ms. Bernice, Milton's "ride or die" lady, affectionately known as "Baby Rose." We love you tremendously, and our hearts will forever love on you. Our dad truly loved some Baby Rose, and we know you loved some "Baby Milt." Thank you for being sold out for God. To Clara Mae, thank you so much for joining us and being by Dad's side. Your incredible strength during Dad's transition to the other side made his ride much smoother. Thank you, Mom.

On Thursday, September 24, 2026, viewing will take place from 3-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. At 12PM on Friday, September 25, 2026, a Celebration of Life service will be held at Runnymede Holiness Church Elberon, VA. Interment will follow the service in Mt Sinai Baptist Church Cemetery, 14165 Race Track Road, Ivor, VA 23866 Please keep the Gwaltney family in your thoughts and prayers.