Jonathan Blake Veney went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 31, 2023, at his residence in Ruther Glen, VA. He was born to Newton Veney and the late Louise Levere Veney on April 2, 1954, in Warsaw, VA.

He graduated from Essex County High School where he played baseball and earned the nickname “Veney”. Upon graduation, Jonathan joined the United States Air Force. After he was honorably discharged, he continued to work for the Department of Defense at the Dahlgren Naval Base and then the Quantico Marine Base until he retired in 2007. After retirement, he had various odd jobs to “keep himself busy” and happily worked at Kings Dominion as a ticket taker. His infectious smile and laugh were put to great use there as he shared his friendly personality with everyone.

Jonathan was an avid sports fan and dedicated his loyalty to the Washington Redskins and the New York Yankees. If you wanted a taste of his quick wit and humor, any sports conversation would do the trick. Fishing was his greatest passion and there were many “life” conversations with a rod in hand.

Jonathan’s heart was as big as his smile; his love as deep as his green eyes; and his hugs as warm as his wood stove. He had a caring and protective demeanor for all who found themselves in his home, in his care, or in his company. He enjoyed cooking and spending quality time with his family.

The love of his life was his wife Wanda, who affectionately called him “Blake”.

Jonathan Blake Veney is survived by his devoted wife, Wanda Veney, and his siblings: Byron (Juanita); Jerry (Maxine); Danny (Nancy); Carrington (Cheryl). His children who continue to live his legacy are Kira, Bobby, Armenthia, Robert Jr. (Jennifer), and LaTonja. Left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren: Daijah, Justin, Ashley, Alexis, Jonathan, Sydney, Destiny, Brandon, Noah, Coby, and Kaitlyn; and his great-grandchildren Lukah, Noah, Asanti, Azaria, Asialei, and Zion.

His legacy of love, kindness, and joy also included a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and very special friends.

“God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not to be. So, He put His arms around you and whispered, “Come to Me”. With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.” – Author Unknown