Hugh Valentine, Jr.

Cherished Father, Grandfather, and Pillar of his Community

Hugh Valentine, Jr., 93, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2024, at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, beloved by his family and friends.

Born November 3, 1930, in Washington, D.C. to Hugh Valentine, Sr. and Geneva Kent Valentine. He attended Cushing Academy Preparatory School and Nichols College both in Massachusetts where he studied; and played football and ran track. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. While serving overseas in the Army he was selected to run track for the U.S. Army team.  

Hugh remained active throughout his life from spending summers on his family’s farm, running track, playing football, to becoming an avid motorcyclist. He retired from the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. While serving he stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the Martin Luther King, Jr. rally and had presidential details in the 1960s and 1970s including police details for President Eisenhower, President John F. Kennedy, and also details during visits from Fidel Castro and The Beatles.  

He was an entrepreneur who ran family businesses including a Western Union, a burger joint, hair salons, a barbershop, and a cleaners. He carried the torch of the Valentine legacy involving community work and advocacy that led his Mother to England to meet Queen Elizabeth during her coronation and her attendance at Eisenhower’s inauguration. Hugh was an active member and past president of the Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club and Buffalo Soldiers (also, founding member) motorcycle clubs. He has visited all 50 states and rode his motorcycle to 49 of the states (excluding Hawaii)!  He took his last ride at 80 years old. Although he became an amputee (right leg) in 2015 at 85 years old, he remained active locally and in his retirement community. He looked forward to each and every new adventure, a laugh, conversation, and providing wise counsel to many. He is beloved by his family and friends.

Hugh Valentine, Jr. is survived by his son, Guy A. Valentine, his daughter, Linda V. Medina, his granddaughter, Miya G. Valentine, his grandson, Austin T. Medina, his daughter-in-law, Niliah Valentine, his son-in-law, Santy F. Medina, and he leaves a host of other cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by his sons of the heart Curtis (Butch) Eady and Dennis Mayes.

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