John V. Luther, Jr., 84, of Portsmouth, died Tuesday, May 10, 2011, at SOMC Hospice.

He was born Nov. 4, 1926, in Portsmouth, to the late John V. Luther, Sr. and Eula Katheryn Clark Luther.

He was a local businessman and owned and operated Luther Transfer Corporation, Inc. He was a Navy veteran having served on the USS Alabama from 1944-1946. He retired from the Ohio National Guard in 1975 after 29 years of service. He was a member of Second Presbyterian Church and a life member of James Dickey Post #23 American Legion.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Othella “Red” Smith Luther, July 16, 2009; one brother, George Clark Luther; and one sister, Leta Childrey.

He is survived by three sons, John (Karen) Luther, of Columbus, Roger Dean Luther of Portsmouth, and William Scott (Belinda) Luther of Portsmouth; eight grandchildren, Gregory Gee, Michael Gee, Jason Luther, Joshua Luther, Daniel Luther, Karen Luther, Lindsy Luther, and John Luther; six great-grandchildren, Peyton Riley Collier, Kevin Gee, Garret Gee, Nicholas Gee. Jacob Gee and John Gavin; five great-grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren, Kacy Gilliand and McKenzie Kleinman.

A memorial service will be held 12:30 p.m. Friday, May 13, 2011, at Second Presbyterian Church, 801 Waller St., Portsmouth, with the Reverend Stanley Webster officiating. A reception will follow immediately after the service in the church parlor. Interment will follow at Memorial Burial Park with graveside military rites conducted by the Honor Detail of James Dickey Post #23 American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to SOMC Hospice, 2201 25th Street, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662.

Arrangements are under the direction of F.C. Daehler Mortuary Company in Portsmouth.