Harold Gray Linkous

Harold Gray Linkous, 88, of Christiansburg, VA died peacefully, while surrounded by his
beloved family on Saturday, August 8, 2015. Harold was the son of the late Lloyd G.
Linkous and Nellie Mills Linkous. He is also predeceased by his brothers Lloyd A.
Linkous and Max H. Linkous and sister Mary Cynthia Graham. Surviving to cherish his
memories are his wife, of 65 years Elizabeth (Betty) Atkinson Linkous, Son and
daughter- in-law H. David and Brenda T Linkous and the apple of his eye, granddaughter
Elena A Linkous, all of Christiansburg. Nieces, Cynthia (Cyndy) Graham
(Christiansburg), Mary Lou Linkous Merkt, South Carolina) and Carol Graham Mangold
(Arizona). Harold is also survived by his grand dogs Murphy and Saydi.
Harold is a member of the “Great Generation”. He served in the United States Navy in
the Pacific Theatre during the latter part of World War II. He was always proud of his
service and many times, upon hearing the naval song “Anchors Aweigh” would smile and
say “Give me a pen and I’ll sign up again”. Upon returning home, he began a career with
the United States Postal Service from which he retired 40 years later.
Harold was very active in his community and loved the Town of Christiansburg and its’
citizens. In addition to being an active lifelong member of Saint Paul’s United Methodist
Church where he served in numerous capacities and offices and on many committees.
He was active as a Boy Scout Leader and was a long-time member of the Christiansburg
Lions Club. He and Betty were for many years active in the Christiansburg Cotillion Club
Harold was active in town government. He served on the Christiansburg Town Council
for 16 years before being elected mayor. He was Christiansburg’s longest serving mayor
and held the position for 20 years before retiring. He proudly observed and oversaw
numerous changes and tremendous growth in the town during his 20 year term. His
management style was “put the right person in the position, then get out of the way and
let them do their job”. Even though retired for3 terms, many people continued to address
him with a hardy “Hello Mayor”.
Of all of his many titles and accomplishments, he was proudest of his family and the
titles of husband, dad, father-in-law, granddad, son, brother and uncle. He was always
there for them and participated in every aspect of their lives. He loved to travel with
Betty, his family trips to the Outer Banks where he spent many mornings and afternoons
fishing on the pier and attending Virginia Tech football games. He also loved attending
any function that involved his family members. He always loved family get togethers,
especially if they involved food as well as visits from family and friends.
Harold is loved and will be missed by many, but none more than his family who
cherished him in life and will now cherish his memories.
Visitation will be held at Horne Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00pm on Monday August 10th.
A celebration of Harold’s life will be held at Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church on
Tuesday August 11 at 1:00pm. With the Reverend Paul Song and family friend Reverend
Neal Turner officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to
the Christiansburg Fire Department or the Montgomery County Humane Society.