Pete Johns, instrumental in New Kent development, succumbs

Pete Johns played vital roles in the development of major New Kent attractions including New Kent Winery, Farms of New Kent, and Colonial Downs.

A prominent figure who played a vital role in major contributions to enhance industry in New Kent County, has died.

Peter Murray Johns, 69, passed away on Aug. 19, leaving behind an influential legacy in New Kent. A former defensive back for the Houston Oilers, Johns made his way to New Kent in 1989 and left an impact that changed the landscape of the county.

“New Kent has lost one of its greatest boosters and visionaries,” said county administrator Rodney Hathway. “Because of him, there are so many projects we have gotten accomplished.”

Johns arrived as an employee of Delmarva Properties, a subsidiary of Chesapeake Corporation of Virginia. His job was to help identify land that provided opportunities for expansion and development, with his assigned area being New Kent. Back in 1989, Delmarva owned roughly half of the county’s land, according to Hathaway.

“Pete’s job was to invest in it,” said the county administrator. “He had a vision that nobody could imagine and he made it work.”

Johns didn’t hesitate on those dreams, helping establishing facilities and areas frequented by both county residents and visitors. He is credited for the development of the Kentland plan and campaigning for Colonial Downs. Johns was also instrumental in establishing the Farms of New Kent, and an eight-year project that is now known as New Kent Winery where he was a managing partner. Described as a humble man by peers, his work helped New Kent Winery earn the 2011 Virginia Governor’s Cup for white wines, the top award given for wines grown in the state.

Johns’ accolades and influences don’t stop there, according to Hathaway.

“Mr. Johns is also responsible for a lot of development on Route 33,” said the county administrator. “A lot of commercial uses are a result of what Pete did.”

Hathaway credits Johns with the concepts for Eltham Industrial Park, Parham Landing Commerce Park, and Weir Creek Commerce Park. However, the county administrator recognized Johns’ impact when both worked in the same building.

“I met Pete right after college in the late 90’s when we both worked for economic development,” said Hathaway. “We had a lot of conversations about what projects to work on to help growth of the county.

“Back then, he was working with the Northern Neck area of the state,” continued Hathaway. “Pete always had love for wineries, and that’s how they got started there.”

Johns’ contributions trickled to New Kent, where New Kent Winery has flourished and helped entice other wineries such as Saude’ Creek to grow and develop. He also helped bring “A Taste of New Kent,” the annual wine festival to the county. With that festival came attendees, and with those attendees, came revenue for the county.

“He wanted the quality of the winery and workmanship to be a reflection of his identity,” Hathaway added. “He desired that those projects be at a high standard and representation of the county.”

Hathaway concluded with saying that Johns’ gifts to the county will not be remembered in vain and will be used as a tool for the county to grow in a positive direction.

“I think when people see what he did, they will not only think of the development, but they will speak highly on it and on Pete as a man who was dedicated and brought unimaginable things to our wonderful community.”