John Stockard Schwabenton

John Stockard Schwabenton, 65, of Blackstone, VA, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 12, 2024 with his family by his side.  He was preceded in death by his father, Carl Burton Schwabenton and his parents-in-law, Dr. James S. and Fran Harris. John is survived by his wife of 35 years, Frances Parson Harris Schwabenton; four children, Sydney Moseley (Brandon) of Brodnax, VA, Anne Louise Schwabenton of Blackstone, Carl B. Schwabenton II of Blackstone and Lex Schwabenton of Richmond, VA; a sister, Jane Barnes (Tim) of Blackstone; brothers-in-law, Dr. J. Selden Harris, Jr. (Liz) and Dr. Sydney M. Harris (Suzanne); nieces and nephews, Allison Cheely, Selden Harris, Elizabeth Walsh (Calum), Page Harris, Spencer Harris and Weber Harris and numerous cousins. 

John was a wonderful husband and loved his wife from the moment he met her in 2nd grade, and was also an awesome father, brother and friend.  He was a longtime member, deacon and youth leader of the Blackstone Presbyterian Church and had a strong faith in Christ.  John loved hunting, fishing and NASCAR races.  He was a member of the NRCC and loved playing golf with his friends, an avid and unwavering fan of all UVA sports.  John coached basketball, football and softball at KFS (Kenston Forest School) for many years and he loved spending countless hours for the school.  He loved being outdoors, working the cows at Oakwood with his father-in-law, Dr. James and continued with his sons.  John’s first job was a Salesman at Hammock & Rand Motor Co. in Blackstone.  It was here where he found his love for working with people.  He relocated to the Tidewater area where he was a Finance Manager for Suttle Motor Corporation.  John worked and retired after 35 years from Smith & Nephew Co. as a Medical Device Salesman and gained many lifelong friendships with doctors, nurses and coworkers along the way.  He also became a Real Estate Agent for Southern Virginia Realty, Inc.  He believed that service before self was paramount and instilled these traits to his children which gave him strength.  John loved Blackstone and the community that supported him and his family from his childhood until the end.  He was a strong and courageous fighter and demonstrated it in his battle with IPF (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis). 

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M., Friday, July 19, 2024, at the Joseph McMillian Funeral Home, 1826 Cox Rd., Blackstone, VA, 23824.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, July 20, 2024, in Blackstone Presbyterian Church, 301 Church St., Blackstone, VA  23824.  Burial will follow in Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Blackstone Presbyterian Church or Kenston Forest School, 75 Ridge Rd., Blackstone, VA  23824.  www.mcmillianfuneralhome.com

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