Erskine Wood Proffitt

Erskine Wood Proffitt, age 93, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on November 18, 1931, Erskine lived a long and meaningful life marked by quiet strength, enduring compassion, and unwavering integrity.

After finishing school, Erskine decided to join the Naval Reserve. He served for four years.

In 1973, Erskine and Charlie Hurt co-founded the company Hurt & Proffitt, a respected engineering and surveying firm that continues to serve the region today.

His leadership and vision helped lay the foundation for the company’s long-standing success.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Judith Vallastro Proffitt. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to lifelong love, deep commitment, and shared joy.

Erskine was a devoted father to two daughters: Cynthia Jester (Steve) of Lynchburg, and Rhonda Klokow (Raoul) of Atlanta, Georgia and adopted nephew, Gary Proffitt, Amber Proffitt and Lexi Proffitt of Altavista.

He was a proud and loving grandfather to Scott Jester (Meghan) of Salem, Virginia, and to Kelly Klokow and Joe Klokow, both of Kennesaw, Georgia and three great grandchildren, Beckett, Porter and Abigail.

He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him. He will be remembered for his kind heart, great sense of humor, musical talent and his fun-loving approach to life.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Tharp Funeral Home. A reception will follow the service, and interment will take place at Virginia Memorial Park in Forest following the reception.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts be made to CASA of Central Virginia, 901 Church Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504 or Mount Horeb United Methodist Church, 1934 Carters Mill Road, Huddleston, VA 24104. — two organizations that reflect the values Erskine held dear.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.