Eugene Dalton

Eugene “Gene” Dalton, 79, of Mount Airy, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Northern Regional Hospital in Mount Airy. Born on November 21, 1946, in Carroll County, Virginia, Gene was the son of the late Dorothy Miller Dalton and Elias Dalton of Sylvatus, Virginia. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Margaret Ann “Chick” Quesenberry of Barren Springs, Virginia.  Gene was a talented, self-made photojournalist who devoted much of his career to newspaper photography. During his distinguished career, he worked for several Virginia newspapers, including those in Marion, Radford, Pulaski, Blacksburg, Danville, and Roanoke. His outstanding work earned him numerous photography awards, including a First Place award in the Annual Virginia News Photographers Association competition. He was also a generous mentor who took great pride in encouraging and inspiring fellow photojournalists throughout their careers. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gene found his greatest joy outdoors. He loved canoeing, fishing, hiking, and capturing the beauty of nature through his camera lens. The New River held a special place in his heart, and his passion for the area led him to publish a map of New River Trail State Park featuring his own photography. An avid traveler, Gene also enjoyed exploring the world and spent significant time overseas with his wife and children, creating treasured memories together. Gene is survived by his devoted wife, Olga Dalton of Mount Airy, North Carolina; his sister, Sharon “Sherri” Kay Dalton of Altavista, Virginia; his daughter, Jennifer Dalton Varadi of Cornelius, North Carolina; his son, Cory Eugene Dalton of Callands, Virginia; his stepdaughter, Anya Saunders; his stepson-in-law, Dominic Saunders and their children. A private cremation service will be held by Moody Funeral Service at a later date. Gene will be remembered for his remarkable talent, his quiet generosity, his love of the outdoors, and his ability to preserve life’s beauty through his photography. His legacy lives on in the countless images he created, the people he mentored, and the family and friends who will forever cherish his memory.