Christopher Patrick Rhoton

Christopher Patrick Rhoton, born on September 25, 1972, in Roanoke, Virginia, passed away on October 26, 2025.

Chris spent his early years in Botetourt County, where he could often be found on a ball field or riding his bike around with his neighborhood friends. As a teenager he could be found immersed in art and music at which he excelled at and attending music festivals. He also enjoyed time with friends and floating down the river with his father.

In the past decade, Chris dedicated himself to a cause close to his heart: harm reduction. As a founding member of the Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition’s Roanoke chapter, he played an instrumental role in its creation—from sketching out ideas with friends on a napkin to helping build an organization that has saved thousands of lives. His work included leading education sessions, assisting with testing centers, and administering life-saving doses of Narcan. His commitment to this mission left an enduring impact on the community he loved. 

Chris is remembered by many who held him dear. He is survived by his daughter Emma Rhoton; his sisters Kelly Kiser and Amanda (Eric) Daniel’s; and his brother Joseph Rhoton. He also leaves behind nieces Isabella, Jennifer, Bailey, Emberlee, and Lyra; nephews Timothy, Cameron, Oliver, and Jonah; aunt and uncle Gail (Jack) Bowyer and Jimmy (Mary) Rowe; cousins Stephanie, Karen, Zach, and Catherine; as well as very special friends Courtney Graves, Danny Clawson, and Jeena Portier. These friends have been there for Chris during good times and bad, always willing to go above and beyond to help him and genuinely loved him where he was at. They made his life better for knowing them. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Brittany Rhoton; his parents Harold and Jean Rhoton; and his brother John Rhoton.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chris’s name to the Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition of the Roanoke Valley.

Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home & Crematory, 62 VA Market Place Drive, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.