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Anthony Venable Obituary
Capt. Venable was born on Aug. 19, 1956 in Petersburg, Va., and was called home to glory suddenly on Nov. 1, 2008 at the Southside Regional Medical Center to be with his mother, Endie Venable, brother, Berwyn A. Venable and sister, Mercedes "Merci" Venable-Smith.
As a child, Tony came to know the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, and was baptized at The First Baptist Church – Harrison Street in 1970 and was a member of the youth and young adult choir – The Chancellor Choir.
Tony was educated in the Petersburg Public School System and graduated from Petersburg High School in 1975. Tony served over 28 years working for the fire department in the City of Petersburg. He also worked for Seward Luggage Co, Ferrellgas, Synergy Gas and AmeriGas. He received numerous certifications, awards and commendations throughout his career.
Tony was known as "Santa Claus," "Hoss," "Big T" and "B" and leaves to cherish his memory: a loving daughter, Shalonda Y. Venable–Peck {Jacob}{spouse} of Richmond, Va.; two sons, Tony Oliver Venable and Vidale Abraham of Petersburg; two godchildren, J. Robinson and Jada Robinson; a devoted aunt, Sallie Venable-Jones of Petersburg, Va.; two sisters, Antoinette H. Venable (his twin) of Petersburg, and Debra M. Jefferson {Darnell} of Hampton, Va.; brother-in-law, James "Dan" Smith of Petersburg; two brothers, Lynroy W. Venable {Mary} of Marlin, Texas, and Gerald S. Venable; five nieces, Monica Mason of Hampton, Va., Denise Smith of Baltimore, Md., Natasha Johnson {Gregory}of Richmond, Va. and Monica and Michelle Jefferson of Hampton, Va.; and two nephews, Jonathan and Jovan Jefferson of Hampton, Va.; two cousins, Synobia "Jackie" Towler of Petersburg and Herbert "Nick" Venable of Annapolis, Md.; five great nieces and nephews, Josh Mason and Xavier Jefferson of Hampton, Va., Ajah, Gregory Jr. and Jeremiah Johnson of Richmond, Va. and a host of other relatives.
Some of his cherished and faithful friends are John Robinson, Steve Wesson, Ronnie "Pete" Peterson, Marlow Jones, Wilbur Barlow, Greg Whitted Sr. and Debbie Buford, his forever friend. Finally, he leaves a loving and devoted friend, Debra Crews.
Funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008 at Tabernacle Baptist Church, Halifax Street, Petersburg, Va. and the wake will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008 at the Bland Funeral Home. The family may be contacted at 804-733-7775. Memorial contributions may be made to the Scleroderma Foundation at 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Damvers, MA 01923, telephone (800) 722-HOPE (4673).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Venable
Betty Hatton
November 8, 2008
To Anthony's Sister :
You will have a jewel in your crown for the loving care that you took of your brother. I will miss having him as my "Special" patient and seeing you at the hospital. I will also miss my hugs from Tony and our converstions. I will remember him every Easter, as he gave me the best basket I ever recieved. May God Bless you and your family in this sad time. My prayers of comfort are with you.
BJ Hatton, RN
LaBarbara Lawrence (Kizzie)
November 5, 2008
To Antoinette and Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your brother. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Laura Reitmeier
November 5, 2008
My deepest sympathies are with the entire family, and especially Antoinette-whom I got to know as she spent so much time at her brother's bedside. Prayers are with you, and you always have a family on North 5!
Beverly White
November 5, 2008
To the family of Anthony Venable,
I was a very good friend of his sister Merci whom I loved as though she was my own sister. Merci talked about her family a lot to include her brother Tony whom she held in very high regard. He is now with his family on the other side whom all are rejoicing in the love they took with them.
May you grow strength in coping with his loss and forever hold him in your heart and memories.
Much love to you all.
Rita Harris
November 5, 2008
To the Venable family,
I was saddened to hear of your loss, I was a co-worker a friend to his sister "Merci" I still smile when I remember her sharing with me "Tony tails". Smile when you think of him, as I smile when I remember Merci.
Patricia Hamilton
November 5, 2008
So sorry for your loss. I know all of the "boys" in the fire dept. will miss him.
Nancy Ross
November 5, 2008
Shalonda, you will always carry rich memories of your dad's love, his laughter, and the joy that you shared with him. Be not dismay, he will always be in you.
Love, Ms. Ross
lynne guise
November 5, 2008
I met Tony taking care of him and his IV nutrition. His sister Antonette was a very helpful and talented caregiver. I an so sorry he has passed on. He was a wonderful patient and I enjoyed careing for him. My heart and prayers go out to the family. Lynne Guise Richmond Virginia
Carol Perry-Square
November 4, 2008
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Erica Parham Thorne Family
November 4, 2008
To The Family Of Tony Venable
I was sad to hear about Tony my heart and prayer goes out to his family, Just remember God will be there in your time of need. No matter what you are going through just put your trust in the Lord he will make everything alright.
Jerry Worley
November 4, 2008
Tony,
You will be missed, I enjoyed working with you in the Petersburg Fire Dept. for those many years. I respected you as a man and as my Capt. If I every had a problem you were there to help me. You where always respectful to me and my family and you always ask how my family was when ever we talked. I considered you a true friend and I am sorry I didn't get to see you more after we both retired from the Greatest Fire Dept. May your family know that you are in a better place now with your Lord.
Kenneth Leftwich
November 4, 2008
We will all have our calling one day and The Lord saw fit for you to be by his side.
I have fond memories of the days we spent playing basketball at the YMCA and how our friendship grew.
God bless to all the familiy.
Ken Leftwich
Cassandra & Kisele (Bug) Hines
November 4, 2008
To the Family of Tony Venable:
These words are filled with thoughts and understanding, and more than anything else with a hope that each day ahead will bring a measure of comfort.
Joyce Franklin
November 4, 2008
I met Mr. Venable through his twin sister Antoinette, sad to say it was when he was a patient on my unit (North 5) VCU-Health Systems. My impression of Mr. Venable was a gentle, kind, and determined individual. His sister Antoinette is just as determined as he. It was a joy to see how supportive she was of him. Whenever we saw Tony we saw Antoinette. We were shocked and saddened to hear Mr. Venable had left us. Antoinette I'm speaking for the staff of North 5 and myself, we are going to miss Tony. Our love and sympathy goes out to you.
Raymon (BeBe Moore) Bessix
November 4, 2008
Words cannot express how my soul ached when I heard the news.
I thank God for allowing you to be a special part of my life. The memories will forever be in my heart.
To Ms. Sallie - I know you'll miss your buddy.
To the family - We take comfort in knowing God has given him rest.
Bill Fulton
November 3, 2008
You will be greatly missed. I will forever remember you spending hours making "bug juice" at Station 2. As well as raising your fork at me, when I reached across your dinner plate. I learned my lesson the first time. I will continue to share your memories.
You will be greatly missed.
Lieutenant Bill Fulton
Henrico Fire
Petersburg Fire 1997
barbara cannon
November 3, 2008
You are in our thoughts and prayers.From the grocery crew 545 at Food Lion.
Doug Ford
November 2, 2008
Tony,
Our department has lost one of its finest fire officers. Thank you for your years of dedicated service to the department and to the City of Petersburg. We miss you and the fire service will miss you.
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