Old Dominion jurists were saddened this week to learn that former Supreme Court of Virginia Justice Lawrence Larkins Koontz Jr. had died. 

According to his obituary, Koontz "passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family and loved ones on Saturday, March 16, 2025." He is survived by his wife, three children, and nine grandchildren.

Koontz's legal career spanned nearly five decades

10 News in Roanoke recalled how Koontz graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Virginia Tech in 1962 and subsequently earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond's T.C. Williams School of Law three years later.

He was appointed to the Juvenile Court of the City of Roanoke in 1968 following after working for the Roanoke Commonwealth’s Attorney as well as a brief period of private practice.

Koontz was later elevated to the 23rd Circuit Court of Virginia and then the Virginia Court of Appeals before finally ascending to the state's highest judicial body.

He replaced Justice Henry H. Whiting in 1995 and remained on the Virginia Supreme Court until stepping down as an active member in February of 2011.

Justice's dissent was later cited by the United States Supreme Court

Koontz raised eyebrows in 2000 when he signed on to the majority opinion in Arlington County v. White, a case which held that local governments could not expand their employee health insurance benefits beyond spouses or financial dependents.

The ruling generated controversy among gay activists, as it was seen to impact individuals involved in same-sex partnerships.

Koontz also drew attention for his dissent in Atkins v. Virginia, which concluded that those suffering from mental retardation are eligible for capital punishment.

This decision was ultimately reversed by the United States Supreme Court, which cited Koontz's dissent in its majority opinion.

State lawmaker praises Koontz  for his "faithfulness to the law"

Koontz's passing was met with tributes on social media, including from Virginia House of Delegates member Chris Obenshain.

My deepest condolences to the friends and family of Justice Koontz. I am grateful for his extraordinary lifetime of service to our Commonwealth and his passion for and faithfulness to the law. https://t.co/UiUWOGxyO2

— Delegate Chris Obenshain (@ObenshainChris) March 17, 2025

The Republican lawmaker, who previously served as a prosecutor in Montgomery County extended his "deepest condolences to the friends and family of Justice Koontz."

"I am grateful for his extraordinary lifetime of service to our Commonwealth and his passion for and faithfulness to the law," Obenshain went on to write.