The Shadow
ALLEGHANY COUNTY, Va. — The Alleghany Highlands community is mourning the loss of former Alleghany County Administrator Kenneth Reid Walters Jr., who died May 6, 2026, following a battle with cancer. He was 50years old.
Walters served as Alleghany County administrator from May 2022 until his resignation in June 2025 due to health concerns.
The Alleghany County Board of Supervisors appointed Walters in March 2022 following a search to succeed former County Administrator Jon Lanford. Prior to joining Alleghany County, Walters served as town manager in Independence, Virginia, and previously held municipal leadership positions in Spencer and Bethel, North Carolina.
Walters earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Appalachian State University and dedicated more than twenty years to local government administration and public service.
County leaders and community members remembered Walters for his commitment to public service and dedication to improving the quality of life for residents across the region.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Thomas Funeral Home, 401 North Ennis Street, Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina.
