Charles Stickley

1933 - 2025

Charles Kenneth (Ken) Stickley, 91, of Keswick, VA, passed away on Oct. 11, 2025 at the University of Virginia hospital. The son of Buford Elwood and Esther Dellinger Stickley, Ken was born in Washington D.C. on Dec. 23, 1933. He was predeceased by his parents; sisters Mary Ellen Stickley, Shirley Cummingham; a brother, Jimmy Elwood; and daughter-in-law, Judith Stickley.

Ken grew up in Berryville, VA. Attending Berryville High School, he lettered in all 4 sports while working before and after school. He attended Emory & Henry college on a football scholarship where he also lettered in tennis. He graduated in 1957 and entered the Marine Corps in 1958. After Parris Island training, he remained in the Reserves for 6 years. He was a teacher and an assistant coach at Christiansburg High School for 2 years. He then became head football coach at Blacksburg High School, leading the team to district championships 3 of his last 4 years there. After obtaining a master's from Virginia Tech in 1967, Ken was appointed principal of Christiansburg Elementary School with responsibility for more than 1,000 students in 3 buildings. He next had the privilege of starting the first middle school in Montgomery County and went on to be the principal of Christiansburg High School. In 1979 when he left public education, a tribute, in part, described Ken as: "A coach who truly believed in sportsmanship and fair play; a principal who instilled pride in this school and created a positive environment for the pursuit of education and life goals; a man who holds high ideals and demanded the best from those around him; a disciplinarian who dealt fairly and evenhandedly, tempering discipline with concern." Ken began another career with State Farm Insurance Co. as an Agent in Lexington, VA in 1979. Within a year he was moved to the State Farm Regional Office as Training Director. In 1986, he became an Agency Manager in Northern Virginia, and he retired there as a Field Executive.

A talented woodworker, he made many pieces of fine walnut and oak furniture, which will be treasured by family for generations. Interest in history and travel lead the family to camping across the U.S. and Canada. Ken & Margaret also enjoyed traveling in Europe, the Caribbean, and 7 great weeks in Australia and New Zealand. In retirement, the couple spent 14 winters volunteering in the Florida Civilian Conservation Corps Museum in Highlands Hammock State Park.

Ken is survived by his wife, of 67 years, Margaret, by a son, Michael, and granddaughters Anna & Leah of Chelsea, AL. Also surviving is a daughter, Denise Young (Jeffrey) and grandchildren, Andrew, Steven, Brian, Erin, and Leigh Young of Charlottesville, VA. Also surviving are a sister, Sandra Herberg, a brother, David, and 2 nieces and a nephew. Ken was very proud of their children and grandchildren, who include 1 engineer, 4 physicians, 1 medical student, and the 4 girls still pursuing college degrees.

The family wishes to thank Drs. Heath Patel and Andrew Barros plus the whole MICU staff at UVA for their most excellent care and compassion. We also thank Pantops Atlantic Sports & Rehab for friendship and for helping Ken remain mobile these last years.

Devoted to the United Methodist Church, he served in various capacities including as a trustee, chair of the Church Council & the finance committee and he taught a youth Sunday school class. The family always attended church together. A service of Celebration and Remembrance will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Nov. 15, 2025, at Charlottesville First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Alex Joyner officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Charlottesville First United Methodist Church 101 E. Jefferson St. Charlottesville, VA 22902.