Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Pierre Gordon LaBonte, known to his loved ones as Pete, passed away Monday, June 17, 2024, at Johnson City Medical Center.

Pete was born in Miami, Fla., to Gordon and Maxine LaBonte. He began his career as a butcher in Miami before moving to Fairview, N.C., in 1985. He later retired as the Manager of the Ingles Meat Department. He and his wife, Debra, enjoyed traveling and later settled in Elizabethton, Tenn.

He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Pete enjoyed spending time with family and friends, watching sports, attending church, and sharing his favorite recliner with his dog, Shadow. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his former wife and mother to his child, Frances LaBonte.

Pete leaves behind his loving wife, Debra; one son, Sean LaBonte of North Carolina; three step-daughters, Heather (Timmy) Forinash, Ashlee (Melissa) Willett, and Mallory Clark; four step-grandchildren, Nicholas Fugate, Joey Fugate, Bentley Forinash, and Easton Forinash; his only sibling, Bruce LaBonte of Florida; a special brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bob and Peggy Timbs; special nieces and nephews, Scott LaBonte, Christopher (Laura) LaBonte, Lisa (Steven) Hogg, Randall LaBonte, and Rhett LaBonte; and special friends, David and Libby Fields.

The family would like to thank the staff at JCMC, with special thanks to Jessica Jackson for her exemplary patient advocacy. 

The family will receive friends from 2 until 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, at Borderview Christian Church, 1338 Bristol Highway in Elizabethton. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following with Pastor Scott Fisher officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Borderview Christian Church, 1338 Bristol Highway, Elizabethton, TN 37643 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.

Tetrick Funeral Home-Riverside Chapel, 211 North Riverside, Elizabethton, TN 37643 is honored to serve the family of Pierre Gordon LaBonte. Office Phone (423) 542-2232; Obituary Information Line (423) 543-4917.