Johnnie Cleveland Manuel, Jr. (Pete)

Manuel, Johnnie Cleveland, Jr. (Pete) passed away unexpectedly at his home in Ashland, Virginia on April 1st, 2022. at the prime age of 56.  

Pete as we all knew him, was born January 30th, 1966 in Winchester, Virginia to Johnnie Cleveland Manuel, Sr. and Virginia Marie Whittington Manuel. 

He was greeted at Heavens doors by his parents and his sister, Cynthia Lee Wiatrowski. 

He is survived by his fiancé who he made his home with, Theresa E. Willson; his brother, Irvin R. (Russy) Manuel (Sharon); his sister, Rebecca M. (Becky) Mathews (Rodney); his four nephews, Jeremy S. Williams (Desiree); Christopher D. Williams, Patrick R. Hoffmann, (Tiffany); Nathan J. Manuel. His three nieces, Jennifer M. Radebaugh, (Michael); Cassandra M. Vorous, (Josh); Kari L. Mathews; and many great nieces and great nephews; his only surviving aunt, Eva (Toots) Whittington Wallace (Stanley) and many many cousins. His three best friends, Cheryl Fox-Wyrick; Robbie J. Woods-VanHorn and James (Jimmy) Wilkinson and his recliner buddy, his cat, Sambo (Limp Biscuit). 

Before he got sick, he was one of best Master Carpenters out there and was the former owner of Creative Carpentry  Solutions in Northern Virginia. It showed when his buddy Jimmy and him redid the whole kitchen in his home. 

He loved fishing and camping and would go  every chance he got, and was planning a trip with his buddy Jimmy. 

He was a great marksman with his compound bow and could do a Robinhood in competition and had even killed a very large bear with it. 

One of his most favorite hobby’s was hunting for Morel Mushrooms in the springtime. He always said that if you put an Porterhouse steak in front of him and a plate full of Morels, he would push the steak away and tear up the Morel’s. 

He loved learning about his family history and is why he became so interested in his 43 ancestors that fought for the South during the War Between the States. Because of them, he was a member of the Sons of Confederate Soldiers and Army of Northern Virginia Mechanized Cavalry and affiliated with The Virginia Flaggers.

Pete had one of those quirky sense of humors that some didn’t understand. Either you loved him or you didn’t. And he didn’t care whose feelings he hurt. He was always cutting up and was ALWAYS in Facebook jail because he believed in his freedom of speech. 

He couldn’t wait each and every week for “The Curse of Oak Island” and Yellowstone to come on. He knew everything about the Knights Templar and would watch all programs about them and would read up on them. Every week he would be on the phone with his brother and have long conversations about them and “The Curse of Oak Island” 

Petes wishes were to be cremated with no funeral service and part of his ashes be put with his Confederate ancestor who is buried up on Skyland Drive. 

There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date where family and friends can get together and celebrate his life at one of his favorite places, Elizabeth Furnace outside of Front Royal. 

Theresa and his family want to thank Richmond Coach and Mortuary for their outstanding service in taking care of Pete. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to American Kidney Fund in honor of him.