Charles Lewis Boddy

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Charles Lewis Boddy, Sr., who peacefully left us on Friday, August 2, 2024, at home. In this moment of sorrow, we choose to remember him not for his departure but for the immense laughter and love he brought into our lives. Charles was born April 17, 1940, in Coatesville, Pennsylvania.
Charles Boddy, a man of awe-inspiring dedication, humility, and unwavering commitment to family, was also a hero. In 1957, Charles embarked on a journey of service by joining the United States Marine Corps. His career was marked by significant achievements, serving as a Motor Transport Operations Chief and retiring after over 20 years of honorable and dedicated service. During his tenure as an active duty Marine, his marksmanship skills were exemplary, earning him titles as rifle expert and pistol sharpshooter. Charles also earned a Meritorious Mast, Certificate of Commendation, Presidential Unit Citation, the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Frame, Combat Action Ribbon, and Good Conduct Medal w/5 Stars.
After his retirement from the Marine Corps, Charles worked for the United States Department of Commerce and Charles E. Smith Corporation as Supervisor/Assistant Manager of Grounds and Maintenance. Charles leveraged his extensive experience in the military, federal government, and private industry to become a successful entrepreneur specializing in environmental services. In 2015, he retired permanently to fully appreciate the rewards of his labor and embrace his passion for traveling the world.
Charles enjoyed a variety of pastimes, including fishing, card games, bowling, listening to Oldies but Goodies and smooth jazz music, and taking the greatest pleasure in ocean cruises.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, James Haywood Boddy, Sr. and Rose Boddy Davis; brother James H. Boddy, Jr.; sister Natalie A. Frost (Robert W. Frost); son Charles L. Boddy, Jr.; and daughter Charlynne L. Boddy. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 65 years, Dorothy L. Boddy, Stafford, VA; brother Robert L. McBride, Riverside, CA; three daughters, Denise Anderson, Evanston; IL, Sharon L. Thompson, King George, VA; and Natalie D.L. Dunbar (Joseph), Stafford, VA; son James A. Boddy (Corinne), Sterling, VA; grandsons Michael L. Thompson and Leonard T. Boddy; granddaughters Aniyah M. and Bonnie Charlene Boddy; brothers-in-law, Earle S. Graham (Darrie) and Samual D. Graham; daughter-in-law Shirley D. Dunbar-Doka; and a host of beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
As we cast our burdens of grief on the Lord, He will sustain us – Psalm 55:22 KJV
A Note to My Husband
You were a rock when I needed you to be,
Just as the sun will set and rise with every dawn
My precious memories of you will always remain
forever nearby
Rest my beloved husband
Know that as you were loved,
I am being cared for and loved as well.
You deserve this God-given eternal rest
It is with gladness of heart
I am at peace with your earthly departure
For I know that I will see you again.
"Miss Me but Let Me Go"
Now, I have come to the
End of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no nights in a gloom-filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
You mustn't tie me down
With your tears
Let's be happy that we had
So many years
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don't lengthen it now with
Undue grief.
For I know, I was loved!