The manager's SUV also was stolen from his home, Accomack Sheriff Larry Giddens said.
Johnny Keith Strand, 49, of Melfa, a longtime manager of the restaurant, had been reported missing earlier Saturday.
The Accomack County Sheriff's Office found him at 2:28 p.m. at his Pine Ridge Drive residence near Melfa.
Tributes continue for Strand, known as a likable and gentlemanly Shore native who became synonymous with the restaurant.
"His bright eyes and quick smile never left him. He shared his talents and his time to make the Shore and all who visited a brighter place," said Carla Savage-Wells of Onley, a Nandua High School teacher who had known Strand since elementary school.
Pizza Hut District Manager Gil Liberty described Strand as "the kindest man that I've ever met and probably will ever meet."
Strand's death is being investigated as a homicide. Units and personnel from the Melfa Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company responded to the scene.
The victim's vehicle, a black 1998 Ford Expedition, also has been reported missing and has been entered into computer databases as a stolen vehicle. Its Virginia license number is ZC8 296.
A Pizza Hut assistant manager said she last saw Strand at 11:30 p.m. Friday.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 757-787-1131 or 757-824-5666.
