Pete Onley

Mr. Brantley Thomas "Pete" Onley, 85, husband of Hartley Gering Onley and a lifelong resident of Modest Town, VA, passed away peacefully at home on his farm on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Born November 2, 1940, he was the son of Ralph Adolphus Onley and Sarah Elizabeth Bloxom Onley. Pete was a devoted farmer and owner-operator of Hopeland Farms, Inc., and a trucking fleet, who dedicated his life to the land he loved and the community he served.

Throughout his life, Pete was deeply committed to his church, his family, his profession, and his community. A lifelong member of Modest Town Baptist Church, he served in many capacities over the years, including Deacon, Trustee, Chairman of the Cemetery Committee, and Sunday School teacher. He was a member and former director of the Virginia Farm Bureau and served on the Virginia Small Grains Board, a position appointed by the Governor. He also contributed many years of service to the Accomack County Planning Commission and enjoyed fellowship with friends as a long-term member of Pocomoke City Elks Lodge, B.P.O.E. Lodge #1624.

Pete's love for life extended beyond his work and community. He cherished his Arabian horses, which he and Hartley raised on their farm and showed along the East Coast. He was an avid NASCAR fan, enjoyed boating, and took joy in shuttling friends-and his "harem" of ladies-to the barrier island beaches on Sunday afternoons. Known for his hard work, generosity, and devotion, Pete leaves a lasting legacy through his family, his farm, and the community he loved.

In addition to his beloved wife, Hartley, Pete is survived by his daughter, Beth Lee Onley of New Church, VA; five grandchildren, Cole Charnock (Kristen), Ryan Charnock (Miranda), Ashley Charnock (Dustin), Autumn Shover and Preston Shover; along with seven great-grandchildren, Loralei, Raiden, Renlee, Evie, Atlas, Bray, and Collins, who brought him immense joy. He rarely missed any event they were involved in. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Kelly Lee Crouch, and his daughter, Kristin Gering Shover.

Funeral services will be conducted at Modest Town Baptist Church on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with Pastors Cody Ramsay and Robert Carpenter officiating. A visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service, with private interment in the church cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Modest Town Baptist Church, c/o Cara Rolander, P.O. Box 105, Modest Town, VA 23412, or to Eastern Shore S.P.C.A., P.O. Box 164, Onley, VA 23418 (www.shorespca.com).

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.