Tony Sawyer was a Substance Abuse Clinical Supervisor with Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. He graduated with an Associates Degree in Social Sciences from TCC, a Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling and Human Services with a focus on Addiction Prevention and Treatment from ODU, and was in the process of attaining a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from ODU. Tony was a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor and a Registered Peer Recovery Specialist. Tony provided Peer Recovery Specialist training to criminal justice involved individuals. Tony was a volunteer and served as a board member for Onesimus Ministries in Chesapeake, VA.
Tony’s experiences in life lead him to serve as a role model for those struggling with substance use disorder. Having been in recovery himself, Tony was passionate about paying it forward to his community and believed that recovery is possible for everyone. Tony lived life to its fullest and aspired to always stay humble and be kind.
Tony is survived by his love Lisa McCann and Jackson, Brie, and Riley, his brother Randy Holcombe and his wife Sue Holcombe, Nephew Christian Holcombe, Aubrey Weber and Dennis Stanley. His sister Susan Boudreau, niece Crystal Bushie, nephew Jordan Boudreau, niece Megan Boudreau, Zachary Annon and his extended Eastern Shore family, and the countless friends and people he touched.
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Personal Service, Peace of Mind, Pleasant Memories
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Jocelyn HALL says
May 11, 2023 at 7:32 pmMy deepest condolences to the family of Tony Sawyer. Sending heartfelt prayers during your time of need.
-Jocelyn Hall, former coworker Indian Creek Correction Center
TaTanisha Jones says
May 11, 2023 at 8:19 pmMay God comfort you, and give you peace as you go through this difficult time. I send my condolences and prayers to the Sawyers family.
A former spectrum/ Indian creek co-worker.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Elaine Baugh McKnight says
May 11, 2023 at 10:36 pmTo the family of Mr. Sawyer:
My heart felt condolences to your loss. I met Mr. Sawyer during my brief period of working with him at Indian Creek, and was so devastated to hear the news. I hope all of his dear love ones will find comfort in knowing that he his in a better place and may he rest peacefully.
Elaine Baugh McKnight says
May 11, 2023 at 10:36 pmTo the family of Mr. Sawyer:
My heart felt condolences to your loss. I met Mr. Sawyer during my brief period of working with him at Indian Creek, and was so devastated to hear the news. I hope all of his dear love ones will find comfort in knowing that he his in a better place and may he rest peacefully.
Lisa Edwards says
May 11, 2023 at 11:55 pmMy sincere condolences to the family. Tony was a wonderful classmate at ODU while I was enrolled in the counseling program with him. I always looked forward to hearing him share in class. Blessings & peace, Lisa Edwards
Kathleen Caughell says
May 12, 2023 at 8:19 amSo sorry for your loss. I worked with Tony at Chesapeake Probation. He was a wonderful person, very passionate about helping others in recovery. He will be immensely missed.
Joy Michaud says
May 14, 2023 at 1:02 amMy cousin Tony and I were close as young kids and we reconnected when he got out. I helped him reconnect with his sisters and brother. We wrote each other alot while he was gone. I am so happy that he got to a good place in his life and had someone he loved to share it with. I know he really wanted a loving family and wife. It’s good to hear he touched so many lives and had so many speak well of him. I know he is with his sister Lisa, his Brother Tommy Jr. and his Mom, Aunt Darlene! Such great memories when we were growing up. I don’t know why he had to go but it wasn’t fair when he tried so hard. I guess the angels and God needed him more. RIP cousin Tony.
Alan Dorrough says
May 12, 2023 at 9:43 amTony was and is an example to us all though his caring heart in staff and clients to make us better. He took his personal and life experience as his mission to lift and show his recovery is possible for all. God Bless you as you are in this journey of grief and loss
Patricia Cary says
May 12, 2023 at 10:05 amOur hearts are sad losing one of our family members at ICCC. We also rejoice for Tony. He was well liked; he was always helpful; he always spoke. Tony was very humble and loved to serve others. We are praying for you all. God is in control. May Jesus walk with you during this time. He will never leave your side. God Bless.
In the way of righteousness is life,
And in its pathway there is no death. Proverbs 12:28
NeShanda Johnson says
May 12, 2023 at 10:53 amTo the friends and family of Mr. Sawyer,
It is my sincerest condolences to you all at this time. He was loved and considered a rare gem from us all at Spectrum (ICCC). The passion displayed every day for his work will continually be an inspiration to us all. His experience and knowledge made him a tremendous asset to our team. He was loved, appreciated and valued by us. We are all grateful to have known him and humbled to have been a part of his life’s journey. He will greatly be missed. You all are in our prayers and thoughts.
JOHN MULLINS says
May 12, 2023 at 12:27 pmTony,so sorry to heat about your passing.rest is my friend.
Go Rest High ON That Mountain.
Kenya Dinkens-Willis says
May 12, 2023 at 1:01 pmMy prayers and Condolences go out to the family. Mr. Sawyer was wonderful person who always made sure that he was always helpful to all that knew him. Rest well my friend.
Penny Witcher says
May 12, 2023 at 3:21 pmEarth has no sorry that heaven cannot heal. Isaiah 35:10. Words cannot express how sorry I am for this great loss but heaven is smiling because they got another angel. Rest on Mr. Sawyer.
Jeff Bass says
May 12, 2023 at 3:48 pmI’m so deeply sorry, I did not know Tony or his family. I do know Lisa. We are all so saddened for the loss that Tony’s family and Lisa are now experiencing. Your family at Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation are here for you Lisa any time you need us. God bless each of you.
Linda Johnson says
May 13, 2023 at 6:14 amI did not know Tony, but I know a friend of his, which speaks a lot for his character. Heartfelt sympathy to the family of Tony Sawyer. I’m always saddened by the good people among my friends who depart too soon. We need more dedicated people like Tony with caring hearts. God be with you.
Laurie and Chris Collins says
May 13, 2023 at 8:26 amSending our sincere condolences to Lisa and Tony’s family. Tony was a lovely man who left this world too soon. We are so deeply saddened by his passing, and for the incredible loss you all are experiencing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Thomas Fischetti says
May 13, 2023 at 9:14 pmDeepest heart felt condolences
I was blessed to know him
One of the few standup guys I have known in my life
D. Boston says
May 15, 2023 at 10:23 amMy deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of Tony Sawyer he will deeply miss by his Spectrum family. I would like Tony’s family to know that my church and I am praying for your family during this challenging time. -Ms. Boston, a co-worker of Tony Sawyer.
Katie Saunders says
May 15, 2023 at 12:10 pmI met Tony through the counseling master’s program at ODU. The day before he passed, I was telling a client of mine who was feeling a lot of regret for her life’s direction about him. I told her that I have this classmate whose life story is just mindblowing– the ultimate story of empowerment. Someone who turned his life around, someone who success wasn’t too late for. Tony genuinely inspired and I admire him so much for the goals he had. He connected with so many of us and was wonderful to be around. I will never forget him.
– Katie Saunders, classmate of Tony’s at ODU
Ms. Antoine says
May 16, 2023 at 9:06 amMr. Sawyer is such a strong guide, a motivator and true leader. His attention to his staff while working at Spectrum was instrumental as he led us to believe in our work, and by doing that, we learned to believe in OURSELVES. Mr. Sawyer believed in us, and our abilities-as much as he believed in his own growth and abilities. A true leader and ultimate ‘caregiver’ the gifts that he gave us will last long after his time with on earth.
Kim Kirkby says
May 16, 2023 at 2:06 pmMy heart is broken. Tony was a kind man who enjoyed being with others. He taught my husband great technique in painting homes. We always enjoyed his stories. He was humble & open about his journey from addiction to education.
I loved our long talks about the real estate market & he was always willing to learn about things he admittedly knew little about. His kindness will never be forgotten.
This world was brighter with him here.
Richie Kubilus says
May 16, 2023 at 8:26 pmTony was an amazing person and a true inspiration in so many areas of his life.
Rest in peace-T
I will always remember and cherish the times we shared.
Pamela Wood says
May 19, 2023 at 11:04 amI was so sorry to hear about Mr. Sawyer. It was a pleasure to work with him at Indian Creek Correctional Center. My condolences to his family for their loss.
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