Benjamin Scott Cleaton

Benjamin Lee Scott Cleaton, 62, of Tappahannock, and Richmond, VA, passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. He worked for over 20 years for W.A. Cleaton & Sons, Inc., which included working for his family’s newspaper that he helped form with his father, the Rappahannock Times, and falling in love with the art of movie projection at the Daw Theatre, which he ran for 12 years. Later in life, he ran the Essex 5 Cinemas until their closing, conversing and socializing with any patron and employee he could.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Lucille Cleaton; and his brother, Donnie Cleaton. He is survived by his wife, Sonia Manzo Madrid; his daughters, Kristol Cleaton (Cristopher) and Melanie Cleaton (Evan Shipman); brother; Allen Cleaton; sisters, Janie Gathercole, Margaret Ricca, Melissa Shearwood, and Cee Cee Cleaton; grandchildren, Elizabeth Shipman, Liam Cleaton; great aunt and uncle Ronnie and Maritza Elliott and family; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Tappahannock, Virginia. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Faulkner Funeral Home, Marks-Bristow Chapel, Tappahannock, VA is assisting the family with arrangements.