Grady W. Dalton
Grady William Dalton | |
|---|---|
| Born | Stuart, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | March 5, 1986 (aged 86) Charlottesville, Virginia, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, politician |
| Years active | 1940–1985 (banking), 1958–1971 (politics) |
| Known for | Member of the Virginia House of Delegates (1958–1971) |
Grady William Dalton (passed away March 5, 1986) was a Virginia-based American banker and politician. His tenure in the Virginia House of Delegates spanned from 1958 through 1971.
Early life
Dalton’s birthplace was Stuart, Virginia, where he was born to Lilla S. (née Shockley) and Booker Dalton, who had previously served as a state delegate representing Patrick County.
Career
In 1940, Dalton relocated to Richlands and began his banking career with the Commercial Bank of Bluefield. He subsequently joined Richlands National Bank, eventually retiring in 1985 as its president and chairman of the board.
A member of the Democratic Party, Dalton secured election to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1957, representing Tazewell County from 1958 until he was defeated for renomination in 1971. During his legislative service, he participated on prominent committees such as appropriations, education, and mining. Additionally, he contributed to the Governor's Aviation and Budget Advisory Committees across the administrations of four governors. Dalton was known for endorsing segregationist stances and notably in 1968 urged official U.S. recognition of Rhodesia following the denial of a visa to Ian Smith.
Beyond politics, Dalton managed operations at Richlands Airport and was active with the Civil Air Patrol.
Personal life
Dalton was married to Freya H., with whom he had a son named Richard Booker. Their residence was located on Washington Square in Richlands.
He died at age 77 on March 5, 1986, at the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville and was interred at Stuart Cemetery.
Awards
Posthumously, a cancer research fund was created in his name at the Virginia Medical Center. In 1985, Dalton was honored by induction into the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame.