[1] Born in Nash County, North Carolina, Valentine attended Guilford College in Greensboro.
[1] He enlisted in the North Carolina National Guard on December 15, 1917, during World War I, and was deployed with the United States Army to the Headquarters Company of the 113th Field Artillery Regiment in France.
He spent twelve years as a prosecuting attorney of the Nash County Recorder's Court, and served as an alderman for the city of Nashville, North Carolina, and on the State Board of Charities and Public Welfare.
He served in the U.S. Army again during World War II, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and being awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
The following year, Valentine ran for reelection to the seat, but was defeated in the Democratic primary by R. Hunt Parker, who went on to win the general election.