Pete Banton, a long-time resident of Keene, Virginia died December 16, 2023.  He was born on October 20, 1961 in Charlottesville, Virginia.  He was pre-deceased by his father and mother, Hubert and Lucy Ripley Banton.

Pete is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Norma Bickers Banton and three siblings, Connie Tillman (Warren), Pat Robertson (Andy) and John Banton (Joyce).  He had a special bond with Carolyn Toms, a friend who stuck by him through every battle he faced.  He is also survived by a sister-in-law Linda Ritter (Herman) and brother-in-law, Walter “Chip” Bickers (Pat).  He leaves behind a special nephew, Bradley Banton, who was his hunting companion and two special great-nieces, Harper and Olivia Scaglione, who thought of him as their “Paw Paw”.  He was blessed with a god-daughter, Makala Ragland.  Survivors also include three nieces, Jennifer Lynn, Caryn Gibson and Heather Scaglione, two nephews David Drinard and Trey Bickers and many great nieces, nephews and cousins, an aunt Madaline Carney and an uncle David Ragland.   Pete had an unwavering love for his family.  He had two beloved pets, his cat Zeke and his dog Tucker.

Pete owned and operated Pete Banton’s Lawn Service for 22 years.  He developed many lasting friendships with his customers and even after selling his business, he maintained contact with his customers “just to check on them”.  Pete worked for Food Lion for 19 years and 21 years part time.

Within the past several years he worked for Thacker Brothers Funeral Home assisting and comforting families in the community.

Pete was an ordained deacon and a member of Bethany Baptist Church where he faithfully served the Lord and members of his congregation.  He was a silent servant, doing many things for individuals without being asked or without boasting as to what he had done.

Pete loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He was a member of the LynBuck Hunt Club in Buckingham.  He loved the comradery with his hunt club members and valued their friendship. He had hunting buddies all around the area, but most important to him was the time he spent hunting and fishing with his brother John and his nephew Bradley.  He loved to hear the dogs run and loved to set the hook!

The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.  on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Thacker Brothers Funeral Home.  A funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Robert Price officiating at Thacker Brothers Funeral Home in Scottsville, Virginia, followed by burial at the Scottsville Cemetery. 

A fellowship meal will be held at Glenmore Church, 7998 Howardsville Road, Buckingham, Virginia following the burial.

Family and friends may share memories and photos at thackerbrothers.com.

Thacker Brothers Scottsville Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Submitted by Marnita Simpson Shepherd.