John Robert Athey, age 72, of 2335 Ridge Rd. Danville, VA passed away Thursday April 13, 2017 at Duke Hospital after a decline in health for the past couple of months.

Lately known as Monk, and originally as Bobby, John was born on February 19,1941 to the late Charles Norman Athey and Mary-Hill Andrews Athey.

Survivors include his sister Laura-Hill Athey and her special friend David Bray of Danville; his brother C.N. "Chip" Athey, Jr and wife Jaymi of Kinston, NC; a nephew C.N. "Chad" Athey, III of South Hill, VA; and a son John R. Athey, Jr and wife Missy of Ridgeway, VA and two grandsons Hunter and Fisher Athey.
John lived a full life since joining the US Navy at 17, and becoming a parachute rigger. He later joined the US Air Force and served at several bases including crew time on helicopter Rescue and Recovery missions in Vietnam and Cambodia. While stationed in the UK, John enjoyed autocross racing. As a civilian he worked as a cosmetologist and later for Fed EX in Denver, CO. As an avid photographer, motorcyclist and sports car enthusiast, he enjoyed traveling throughout the country, even after retirement and moving back to Danville to live with his sister.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to the Humane Society.

Swicegood Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Athey family.

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