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Monte Lee Saxton, age 75, of Hartsville, SC passed away, peacefully in his home on Sunday, July 3, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Mica Watkins Saxton, daughter, Monica Lee Saxton, son, Monte Lee Saxton, Jr., son, Leland Marion Saxton, daughter, Angela Saxton Wissel (Tim), daughter, Janell Saxton Billings (Kevin), and son, Steven Lee Saxton (Julia). He was blessed with nine grandchildren, Matthew Lee Fabbi, Michael Andrew Fabbi, Emerson Jeanne Billings, Preslee Pearl Billings, Bailey Ryan Saxton, Steven Alexander Saxton, Maygen Allison, and John and Melanie Wissel. He also had two great-granddaughters, Sedona and Jade Fabbi. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ellen Burgener Saxton, and his father, Nyal Leland Saxton. Monte was born on August 20, 1946, and grew up on a dairy farm in Meridian, Idaho where he was one of 9 kids. He graduated from Highland High School in Pocatello, Idaho. At 18, Monte married his first wife, Janice Strong (Westenhaver) and they had three kids, Angela, Janell, and Steven. At a young age, he discovered his passion for music, participating in the school band and playing many instruments including saxophone, flute, drums, guitar, and keyboards. During high school, he was a member of The Fabulous Chancellors and toured with the Dick Clark Caravan of Stars. He loved to entertain but also enjoyed writing music that would tell the story of his life. Other bands that loved making music with were The Playboys, The Monte Lee Saxton Band, Pride & Possession, Lock Stock & Barrel, and Bill Haley's Comets. They rocked the Mardi Gras Ballroom, The Tiki Room, and The Miramar Ballroom, to name a few. He also served the Boise Fire Department and in 1974 was named Fireman of the Year after he rescued a man from a burning plane. In 1989, Monte relocated to Tennessee and during his time there, was most proud of his musical partnership with Richard Chisum. Eventually, he met Mica and landed in South Carolina. While Monte would hate the word “famous”, he was proud of his musical accomplishments. In 1988, he won a songwriting contest and was invited to be a guest on The Country Today Show and Charlie Daniels Talent Search. Monte was able to perform at several of the Miss South Carolina scholarship pageants, he provided entertainment during the Miss America pageant weeks, as well as one open mic night at the House of Blues (where he brought down the house). Through these opportunities, Monte was able to share his talent with the world. Monte had a passion for music, both in playing it and in writing it. Some of his favorite songs to cover were Stand by Me, Wind Beneath My Wings, Unchained Melody, and When A Man Loves A Woman. He also wrote many original songs including Dreams Can Come True which he wrote for Mica for their wedding day, as well as sharing it with many other couples on their special day. Monte would tell you he was most proud of his family. His greatest contribution, beyond his music, was indeed his children, grandkids, and great-grands, who have, in one way or another, carried on his musical legacy. He did his best to provide guidance, musical instruments, sage advice, and most of all inspiration. While over the last several years, he suffered from kidney failure, he endured to the end with a strong faith in our Heavenly Father's plan of salvation, his faith never wavering. Monte wanted the opportunity to express his love and gratitude to his family, friends, and community, prior to his passing and did not want a funeral service. He was adamant about ensuring that everyone knew how much he appreciated all of the kindness, support, and acts of service that have been expressed to him and his family over the years. At this time, in lieu of flowers, please consider sending a contribution to a Go Fund Me campaign that was established to support his family as they cover the cost of his end-of-life care: www.gofund.me/e3683dba The Directors of Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home & Crematory are caring for the family.

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Mr. Monte Lee Saxton

August 20, 1946 - July 3, 2022