Obituary of Walter Thurman Assaid

Walter Thurman Assaid, 98, of Roanoke, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 1, 2016, while living with his daughter and son-in-law in Richmond, Va. Born November 24, 1917, in Roanoke, VA, he was the son of the late Ellis and Minnie Lee Bivens Assaid. Walter was preceded in death by his wife of 74 years, Dora Wiggins Assaid; brothers, Thomas Odell and Gilson; and sisters, Helen and Cecelia.Walter was a World War II veteran who served in the Marine Reserves and the Navy. As a young Marine in 1933, he stood guard for President Franklin Roosevelt at the dedication of a new VA building in Salem. He was self-disciplined and prayerful, with a wonderful sense of humor. Walter loved music and regularly played guitar at family gatherings. His strong work ethic and determination to provide for his family led him to take a wide variety of jobs over the years, including veterinary assistant, cobbler, short order cook, and home improvement specialist.Survivors include his six children, Patricia Minton (Archie), Delores McNutt (Charles), Jerry Assaid (Georgetta), Don Assaid (Ruth Ann), Mark Assaid (Jennifer), and Karen Legato (Peter). He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Fan Free Clinic, 1010 N. Thompson Street Richmond, VA 23220.A Funeral Mass will be conducted 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Church, 631 N. Jefferson Street. Interment will follow in St. Andrew's Diocesan Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday, April 5th from 5 to 7 p.m. followed by at short, informal service, at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road. 366-0707