Mr. Patrick Scott Belote embraced death, as he did life: full of love, grace, and humor. At the age of 59, Patrick walked into the open arms of his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, and there is no doubt he is in heaven continuing to do what he was born to do: play music.
Patrick was a graduate of Onancock High School, class of 1982, attended Old Dominion University and Virginia Tech, and completed the electronics technology program at the Eastern Shore Community College. In 1987 he began working as an electronic technician at NOAA Wallops Island. He retired in 2020 after 33 years. Though he was proud of his career, Patrick’s true calling was found in the arts and his gifts were limitless.
A multi-talented musician, Patrick was a guitarist, pianist, and songwriter whose dedication was unwavering and whose creativity inspired those around him. Over the years, he graced countless stages as a member of various local bands such as Storm Warning, Irie Tree Band, The Mark Nelson Band, New Creation, and Heaven Sent (just to name a few).
Beyond his performances, Patrick found fulfillment in building guitars — a testament to the respect and passion he had for his craft. He was also a talented watercolor artist, and in recent years, he began sharing his extensive knowledge with others, teaching future generations from his “Waterfront Studio” at Onancock’s Titlow Creek.
In May of 1990, Sherry Gaskill answered an ad looking for a female vocalist. It was during this audition she and Patrick first met. Soon after, Storm Warning was born, and in 1994, Sherry became Mrs. Belote. From the moment Pat and Sherry performed on stage together, everyone felt their connection and witnessed their charisma. As Christians and members of Onancock Baptist Church, they not only shared their music at church, but played regularly for weddings, gatherings, funerals, and many other community events. Patrick was a 50-year member of Onancock Baptist, and his faith remained a guiding force throughout his life.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Patrick’s adventurous spirit led him to the great outdoors, where he found solace and joy in walking and kayaking. He immersed himself in exploring the Chesapeake Bay, creating a kayaking bucket list and often sharing his quests with family and friends on social media.
Patrick’s warm and welcoming nature, paired with his larger-than-life personality, endeared him to friends from all walks of life. His kind heart, sense of humor, and genuine spirit resonated with everyone he met and led to many lifelong friendships.
While Patrick may have left this world, his legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His music will continue to inspire, his art will continue to captivate, and his memory will forever be cherished. He will be fondly remembered as a remarkable musician, artist, mentor, husband, brother, uncle, friend, and faithful servant.
The youngest of three boys, he was a son of the late James Norman Belote Jr. and the late Patricia Grace Ames Belote Mapp.
In addition to his wife, Sherry, he is survived by his brothers, James Norman “Jim” Belote III and his wife, Donna, of Onancock, and Thomas Ames “Tom” Belote and his wife, Mary, of LaPlata, Md.; his nieces and nephews, James Belote (Danielle), Patty Holt (Alex), Matthew Belote, Rebecca Emas (Jonathan), Abigail Steines (Daniel), George Gaskill III (April), and Felicia Gaskill; his pug, Maestro; and an endless list of friends who were loved like family.
A funeral service in celebration of Patrick’s life and musical legacy will be held at Onancock Baptist Church on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, at 3 p.m., with Pastors Andy Cobb and Rob Kelly officiating. There will be a visitation at the church one hour prior to the service. Private interment will be held at the Onancock Cemetery.
In honor of Patrick’s passion for the arts, donations may be made in his memory to Historic Onancock School, P.O. Box 467, Onancock, VA 23417, https://www.historiconancockschool.org/donate or with a contribution to a local art or music program of your choosing.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
