757.628.1000

Tony Allen Sawyer


Sunrise: October 8, 1968

Sunset: May 9, 2023

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.

Viewing Friday, May 19, 2023 9:00am - 11:00am Metropolitan Funeral Service 7246 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505 Service COME IN PERSON OR WATCH SERVICE LIVE ONLINE Friday, May 19, 2023 11:00am Metropolitan Funeral Service Granby Chapel

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Condolences(25)

  1. reply
    Jocelyn HALL says

    My deepest condolences to the family of Tony Sawyer. Sending heartfelt prayers during your time of need.
    -Jocelyn Hall, former coworker Indian Creek Correction Center

  2. reply
    TaTanisha Jones says

    May 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.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

  3. reply
    Elaine Baugh McKnight says

    To 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.

  4. reply
    Elaine Baugh McKnight says

    To 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.

  5. reply
    Lisa Edwards says

    My 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

  6. reply
    Kathleen Caughell says

    So 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.

    • reply
      Joy Michaud says

      My 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.

  7. reply
    Alan Dorrough says

    Tony 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

  8. reply
    Patricia Cary says

    Our 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

  9. reply
    NeShanda Johnson says

    To 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.

  10. reply
    JOHN MULLINS says

    Tony,so sorry to heat about your passing.rest is my friend.
    Go Rest High ON That Mountain.

  11. reply
    Kenya Dinkens-Willis says

    My 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.

  12. reply
    Penny Witcher says

    Earth 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.

  13. reply
    Jeff Bass says

    I’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.

  14. reply
    Linda Johnson says

    I 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.

  15. reply
    Laurie and Chris Collins says

    Sending 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.

  16. reply
    Thomas Fischetti says

    Deepest heart felt condolences
    I was blessed to know him
    One of the few standup guys I have known in my life

  17. reply
    D. Boston says

    My 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.

  18. reply
    Katie Saunders says

    I 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

  19. reply
    Ms. Antoine says

    Mr. 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.

  20. reply
    Kim Kirkby says

    My 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.

  21. reply
    Richie Kubilus says

    Tony 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.

  22. reply
    Pamela Wood says

    I 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.

  23. reply
    Joseph Williams says

    I did time with Tony. He was a real one. God have mercy. Bless y’all.

  24. reply
    Anthony Haley says

    my condoiencesgo out too tonys family ive known tony since we lived in navy housing called carper housing i have not seen or heard from him since he was 12 years old and he was a little partier im am so glad and proud that he changed his life around until we meet again R.I.H my brother

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