Thomas Peyton Coyner passed away on Friday, May 16th from complications following a stroke.  The son of William T. Coyner and Janet Beery Coyner, he was born on July 24, 1946 in Waynesboro, Virginia.  He graduated from Waynesboro High School in 1964 and went on to study at Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia.  For many years he worked at Hopeman Brothers as a designer/draftsman in Shipbuilding. He is survived by his wife of nearly 49 years, Carol Betlej Coyner.

Peyton designed and hand-built his oak house in Nelson County.  Until recently the house was heated solely by logs he chopped. He was a master craftsman of stained glass and worked on commissions as well as making wonderful pieces for friends and family. He was a witty contributor to the Washington Post Style Invitational.

Peyton's three great loves were his wife Carol, dogs, and rock and roll.  He worked with the Almost Home Shelter in Lovingston as a "mutt shuttler", driving loads of unwanted dogs and cats to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts where mutts are a scarcity and eagerly adopted. During these long drives he would play Jimi Hendrix or Bo Diddley while mentally writing parodies to other melodies.  Once home he would write them down and send them off to friends who loved his creative sense of humor.

From childhood Peyton loved forests and streams and spent time outdoors as often as possible.  He hiked Virginia's mountains and canoed her waters.  He enjoyed making "Trail Magic," preparing a meal hot off the grill for hikers on the Appalachian Trail. He was a staunch supporter of the Sierra Club.

Peyton was a bleeding heart liberal and proud of it.  He supported the Democratic Party  in many ways through many elections. He was very vocal about his political beliefs and enjoyed any opportunity to inform others of reasons to support the Dems. Peyton was kind, smart, and funny and will be deeply missed by those who loved him.

Peyton was preceded in death by his parents and his many beloved dogs, from Ring to Marley. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister Carol (Bob) Keane; brother-in-law, Bill (Sharon) Betlej; sister-in-law, Lyn Chafetz; nephews, Simon Chafetz and Andrew P. Keane; nieces Erin Betlej-Stockdale, Anna Betlej,; great-nephew, Asher Chafetz; great-nieces, Allyson & Emily Keane, Sophia Betlej-Stockdale, and Charlie Dunnivan.

The family wishes to extend  special thanks to the Coyner and Betlej families, the many friends, and the staff at Brookdale Senior Living in Staunton, who diligently cared for Peyton and Carol over the past months.

Private services were held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Crimora. Contributions in Peyton's memory may be sent to Almost Home ASPCA, 29 Stagebridge Road, Lovingston, VA 22949.