Tony Andrew Janney

May 20, 1957 - November 29, 2025

Tony Andrew Janney, 68, of Pilot, passed away on Saturday, November 29, 2025. He was born on May 20, 1957, and raised on the family farm in Pilot, VA. As a youngster, Tony was sometimes rambunctious. There are stories of him dipping his arms up to the elbows in paint, and one notable day when he cut a hole in his sister’s homemade dress hours before she was to wear it. The family jokes that his mother helped him survive that day.

Tony was a gentle person with a big heart who loved nature, animals, and people. He spent his entire life living on and caring for the family farm, where he especially loved his dogs and taking care of his donkeys. He was always checking in on others—he often called friends and family, and would regularly ride his golf cart to check on neighbors. Over the years, he worked for AT&T, delivered the Roanoke Times for many years, and worked at Volvo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Jackson and Estelle Lawrence Janney. Tony is survived by his loving sister, Phyllis Janney Sowder; niece, Tameka Sowder Pritt (Wes); great-nephew, Gracin Pritt; and many other loving family members, friends, and neighbors.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Havens Chapel United Methodist Church in Check, with Rodney Collins officiating. Interment will follow in Restvale Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Gardner Funeral Home in Floyd. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Havens Chapel United Methodist Church Attention: Annette King 125 Boothe Creek Road SE Copper Hill, VA 24079.

Tony was a friend and coworker. He was a great guy. Condolences to the family.

So sorry for your loss Praying for the family

Tony was a great guy and friend. Always had a smile and a laugh to share. Prayers for the family and friends 🙏❤️

I know that our Lord and Savior is with you and He will bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time. We know Tony stepped into eternity and is resting in the presence of our Lord, Christ. He is home. We are blessed, as we will see our loved ones again because we believe in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Death marks the beginning, not the end ,It is our journey to God. So to , there is joy in heaven as each child of God comes home

Tony has always been a great guy from Check Elementary days through high school. Prayers for the family.

Sending prayers for his family. I graduated with Tony. He was always full of himself and such a nice guy.

I knew Tony in High School. He was always a happy soul and very protective of those close to him. He never complained about anything that I can remember. I am sure he will be missed by all whose life he touched. Rest in peace friend.

Phyllis, Tameka and family, So very sorry to hear about Tony. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Condolences and prayers of comfort, was a classmate of Tony!

Prayers to Phylis and family. Tony was a wonderful neighbor and friend. He was a really good guy. We will miss him.

A great friend and classmate. Sending my deepest condolences to the family and friends.

He will be missed!

Tameka my heart breaks for you and your mom. I’ll always remember the weekends I spent with your family, riding Daisy and Trigger and brushing sweet little Chubby. Tony and grandma would grill burgers for us and we ate like kings! Life was so good and we had such a wonderful childhood growing up in the country rich with good people and family. I love you and your whole family so much. God is sovereign and He is good.

Our deepest condolences in the passing of Tony He was a great friend and will be greatly missed. We thought so much of him, your family and our friendship Enjoyed the cookouts and the times at the Fiddles Convention in his bus. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family. We regret we are out of town and will be unable to be with you but our thoughts will be with you tonight and tomorrow.

Prayers for your family and friends