Charles S. Bly

Charles Stewart Bly, 80, of Toms Brook, Virginia, passed peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, November 1, 2025. The funeral service will be held Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Heishman Funeral Service in Woodstock. Reverend David Nesselrodt will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Stephens Lutheran Church Cemetery in Toms Brook. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Born on November 4, 1944, in Fishers Hill, Virginia, Charles spent his life surrounded by the people and places he loved most. In his childhood, he spent many hours on the family farm with his parents, Irvin and Ruth Hockman Bly and four brothers - Harold, Daniel, John, and Fredrick - and his beloved aunt and uncle, Ted and Lena Hockman. Those days on the farm taught him the value of hard work, loyalty, and family - lessons that shaped the man he became.

He shared nearly 51 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Betty Jane Bly, who was the light of his life. Together, they built a loving home filled with family, laughter, and cherished memories that will live on forever.

He is survived by his children, Jesse Glover and spouse Ronnie, David Peters and wife Denise, and was preceded in death by his daughter, Donna Miller and her husband Gary and son, Danny Peters. Charles was the most loving and devoted father - strong, kind, and always ready to lend a helping hand or share a laugh. He was an entertaining storyteller, known for keeping everyone laughing and captivated with his tales. He was a steady presence in his children's lives, offering wisdom, warmth, and unconditional love that will continue to guide them every day.

He was a proud grandfather to Allison Spencer, Nathan Sheetz, William Cooke, Madelynn Glover, Caden Glover, Ariel Glover, Brittany Crabill, Alyssa Johnson, Riley Peters, Morgan Peters-Campos, Lindsay McDaniels, Ryan Peters, Amanda Wann, Jason Carter, and Brandon Carter, and a cherished great-grandfather to many great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly.

Charles honorably served his country as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army with the 173rd Airborne Division, where he was a paratrooper during the Vietnam War and retired from Johns Manville after 28 years. After his military service, he devoted much of his life to his love of horses and the outdoors. He was an active member of the Shenandoah Trail Riders Association for many years and found great joy in horseback riding, hunting, and spending time with family and friends in nature. He also loved processing deer, a tradition that brought him pride and gave him another way to share time and stories with those he loved.

Charles shared a deep bond with his animals, especially his loyal dogs Rascal, Skunk, and Lucy, and all of his faithful companions who have since passed. They brought him endless joy and companionship throughout his life.

Pallbearers will be David Peters, Riley Peters, Ronnie Glover, Nathan Sheets, William Cooke, Jacob Bly, and Matthew Bly

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mt. Olive United Methodist Church, 12180 Back Road, Toms Brook, VA 22660.

Charles will be remembered for his kind heart, steady presence, and deep love for his family, his country, and the simple joys of life. Online condolences may be left at valleyfs.com

Arrangements by Heishman Funeral Home Inc., Heishman Funeral Service Branch, Woodstock.