On July 31, 2026, Frances Elizabeth Grizzle Self, ran fully healed into the arms of Jesus.  She was born to the late Silas William Grizzle and the late Hattie Frances Ware Grizzle on August 1, 1942 in Castlewood, Virginia.  After graduating as salutatorian from Castlewood High School, she quickly moved to Bedford, which she called home for much of the remainder of her life. Although many people knew her from her various jobs at Rubatex, Bedford Weaving Mill, Belding Corticelli and Rapid Printing, her most precious and favorite “job” was being a mother. 

She gave so freely and selflessly to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and always made sure to know how much they were all loved.  Frances shared her love of music with her family by singing to them during childhood and enjoyed listening to them sing to her as they became adults.  She always had a hug, kiss and a smile ready at all times and ready with ham, biscuits, and oyster stew on Christmas morning.

Although dementia took a lot of recent memories, it couldn’t take her knowledge of knowing her family, for which they are so grateful.

Along with her parents, Frances was predeceased by her loving husband, Charles “Charlie” Russell Self, Jr., her siblings, Theodore William “Ted” Grizzle and Irene Anna Witt, her son-in-law, Stan Butler, and her grandson, Nicholas Butler. She is survived by her children, Lisa Butler, Hildery “Chuck” Gibbs, Jr. and Julie Carr (Johnny Cash); her grandchildren, Katherine “Kathy” Rogers (Jeff), Elizabeth Butler (Michael Colby), Susan Butler (Nay Clark), Danya Gibbs, and August Carr; granddaughter-in-law, Virginia “Nina” Mihelcic Butler; nine great-grandchildren; her sisters, Virginia Belle “Ginger” Blevins (Jack) and Sarah Nadine Cox (Don); and sister-in-law, Yvonne Grizzle.  She had numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who were all dear to her heart.

The family would like to thank Centra Lynchburg General Hospital’s ICU and Neuro ICU units, especially her doctor, (Doctor K) and her exceptional nurses (Julia, Emily, Michelle, Colton and Kaitlyn).  The family would also like to give heartfelt thanks to Johnny Cash for visiting and sharing scripture with Frances as she met Jesus.

As per Frances’s wishes, there will be no service; instead, share a book with a friend, plant some flowers, take a walk, or go bird-watching. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pecks Baptist Church, 1020 Pecks Road, Bedford, VA.

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Clay Anthony Crunkleton, 59, of Bedford, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2026.  He was born in Bedford, Virginia on March 10, 1967. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest A. Crunkleton and Linda Coffey Crunkleton.

He worked for years at Bedford Farmers Supply, the family business, and later at Walmart. Clay never knew a stranger, and he loved his children, grandchildren, family, and friends.

You could always count on Clay for a captivating tale and a full-bellied laugh. Clay was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman and a collector of interesting paraphernalia. He had fond memories of his football teammates at Liberty High School.

Clay is survived by his beloved girlfriend and companion of 28 years, Jennifer (Jenny) Wilkerson. He is also survived by his children, Nichole Alexandra Maute, Brittany Danielle Crunkleton, and Tyler Daniel Crunkleton; his grandchildren, Ava Grace Maute, Alexander Crunkleton, August Crunkleton, and Anthony Crunkleton; his sisters, Twila Deel and Carla Groff; his brother-in-law and buddy, Rick Groff; and his nephew, Ryan Crunkleton (Robin Lee) and niece, Olivia Casey (Andrew).

A celebration of Clay’s life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Doris Cherry Neudorfer, age 96, of Hardy, VA, passed away on July 19, 2026, with her husband at her side. She was born on May 9, 1930, in Red Bank, NJ to Robert and Ida Sofia Cherry.

Doris was a graduate of the University of Vermont where she achieved a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technologies. She was an avid skier and tennis player. She married Charles Neudorfer on July 9, 1960, and together they shared 66 years of love, partnership, and devotion.

Doris will be remembered for her fiery spirit and her steadfast devotion to her family, her community, and the values she lived by. She spent her years raising her children and giving her time generously to her local churches and organizations. Her proudest role was standing beside Chuck through his FBI career, volunteer work, home projects, and every chapter of their life together.

In 1997, Doris and Chuck settled into their dream home on Smith Mountain Lake, where they formed lifelong friendships and created a new foundation for family traditions. One of those traditions became the annual Fourth of July reunion, a celebration Doris cherished as she watched her children, grandchildren, and nieces grow up with a love for the lake as deep as her own. Doris was a founding member of the Smith Mountain Lake Chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) which was strategized while on a tennis court.

She is survived by her husband, Chuck; her daughter, Lynn Gardiner; her son, David Neudorfer; and grandchildren Alexander Lion, Devon, Andrew, and Caleb. She was preceded in death by Robert and Ida Cherry.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, July 27th at 11am at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Moneta, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Bethlehem United Methodist Church, Moneta, VA, or that you honor her memory by serving others in your local community.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Runk & Pratt caregivers, hospice teams, and medical staff for their support throughout the last year.

“Life is good.” – Doris Neudorfer

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Christian “Chris” S. Barger, 87 of Bedford County, Virginia, passed away

peacefully at home on July 15, 2026. Born on May 5, 1939, in Bedford County,

Chris was the son of the late Earl B. Barger and Janie F. Ashwell Barger.

 

Chris spent his early childhood at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest where his

father was foreman of the estate. He was recently honored to provide a primary

source of history for archeologists and preservationists there. A graduate of New

London High School followed by a degree at DeVry Technical Institute in 1960,

Chris was employed for 43 years as an Electronics Technician by General

Electric/Ericsson/SCI in Lynchburg, VA.

 

A lifelong lover of music, including winning a local dance competition as a teen

with his rendition of the Twist, he nurtured a love of several genres of music

including Country, Gospel and a particular love of progressive bluegrass through

which he dabbled with friends in a local band. Chris taught himself guitar in his

teens and his family fondly remember his singing and playing guitar, mandolin,

and electric bass. Everyone is very thankful he gave up learning to play the fiddle.

Other hobbies included woodworking and fixing just about anything, hunting, and

camping.

 

In retirement, Chris chose to serve his community through the Bedford Lions Club.

A dedicated member since 2001, he served as a long term member of the board of

directors and as a long-term chairperson of sight projects. Chris served as

president for two terms and as past membership chairperson. He was a

Melvin Jones recipient for his humanitarian services. Chris was always a

dependable Lion supporting all the various events, activities, and fundraisers for

the Club.

 

Chris was also very active in the Bedford Rifle & Revolver Club including serving

as part of the leadership and operations. He participated in education and

awareness, fundraisers, and local competitions. He was instrumental in instructing

his daughters’ respective partners in proper use of weapons and ensuring their

accuracy of shot.

 

From his childhood baptism, Chris was a member of Terrace View Baptist Church

where he served as a deacon and remained a member until his passing.

 

Chris is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Shirley J. Underwood Barger,

and his two daughters and their partners, Ava Y. Barger and Mark Miller of Forest,

VA and “Christee” Christine B. Ashwell and George P. Kobler of Huntsville, AL. He is also survived by his sister Rosemarie Barger Burnette and her husband Steve

of Evington, VA. Special friends are Sherman Feagan, a friend and neighbor since

first grade, and friend for more than 60 years, Jane Martin and Jane’s daughter

Kellee Martin.

 

Those who knew the quiet strength, the dry wit, the keen intellect, the fierce

devotion to those he loved, and his love of God, ask family and friends to join us in

honoring his passing.

 

Visitation with the family will be 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Terrace View

Baptist Church, 1040 Matthew Talbot Road, Forest, VA, followed by a memorial

celebration at 3 p.m. led by Brian Taylor, Pastor of the church. Interment at the

church graveyard will follow immediately. The ladies of the church will host light

refreshments afterwards in the fellowship hall. The family requests that in lieu of

flowers, donations be made to the Bedford Lions Club in memory of Chris Barger

by contacting P. O. Box 275 Bedford, VA 24523

 

In Loving Memory of Carol Bowyer Johnson

Carol Bowyer Johnson, 58, passed away on July 13, 2026. Born on March 22, 1968, in Bedford, Virginia, Carol lived a life defined by compassion, generosity, and love for her family.

Carol was affectionately known as a free spirit for her vibrant personality, strength, and determination. Those who knew her will forever remember her beautiful blue eyes, her heart of gold, and her willingness to give anyone the shirt off her back.

Above all, Carol cherished her family. She is lovingly survived by her children, Derrick Johnson, Leake Johnson, and Holli Johnson; and her beloved grandchildren, Addison Johnson, Rylee Johnson, and Audrey Ayers. Some of her happiest moments were spent reading bedtime stories to Audrey, cooking meals for those she loved, and tending to her garden.

Carol’s kindness, strength, and unwavering love touched countless lives. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion and generosity that will continue to inspire everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all whose lives she brightened.

A visitation to celebrate Carol’s life will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford, VA. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor the remarkable woman Carol was.

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Richard Cleveland (RC) Reynolds

September 14th, 1947 – July 13th, 2026

Richard Cleveland “RC” Reynolds, beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026.

Known to nearly everyone as “RC,” he will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his strength, and his remarkable singing voice. 

Music was one of his greatest gifts, and those fortunate enough to hear him sing will forever cherish those memories. His warmth, humor, and caring spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

RC proudly served his country as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. His military service reflected the courage, dedication, and resilience that he carried throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Richard Cleveland Reynolds, Claire (Peggy) Reynolds, and grandson, Aubrey Cleveland Reynolds.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Linda Reynolds; his son, Brian Reynolds and his wife, Teresa; his daughter, Christy Reynolds and her fiancé, Kelley; his son, Anthony Reynolds; his daughter, Holly Rotondo; and his treasured grandchildren, Brianna (Bb), Hayley, Kayla, Scarlett, Serenity, and Violet. 

He also leaves behind extended family members and many dear friends who will miss him deeply.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that RC’s legacy of love, laughter, music, and service will live on through all who knew him.

His song may have ended here on earth, but its melody will continue in the hearts of those who loved him. Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever our RC.

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

 

Danny Michael Dickinson, 72, of Thaxton, passed away on Monday, July 13, 2026. He was born in Roanoke, VA on October 21, 1953 a son of the late Warren Lewis Dickinson and Geneva Mays Thomasson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Underwood Dickinson.

He was a retired foreman and really loved his job with Norfolk & Southern. Danny loved farming and cutting hay. He was an avid deer hunter, enjoyed fishing, loved his snacks, and he was always stayed on top of the weather.

Danny is survived by his brother, Barry L. Mays (Ginny); children, Angela Lynn McCoy, Algie Elbert McCoy (Kelly); grandchildren, Stephanie Howell (Richard), Kayla McCoy (Seth), Mark Stevens; and great-grandson, Ari Philips.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Richard Robison “His Hero” for his care of Danny.

Family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, July 17, 2026 at Holy Land Cemetery with Rev. Earl Ragland officiating.

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Daniel Holt Dickerson, 83, of Lynchburg Virginia was called home by his Heavenly Father on Friday, July 10, 2026.   Danny was born in Lynchburg Virginia on July 8, 1943.   He is now reunited with his father Hutson Daniel Dickerson and mother Blanche Holmes Holt Dickerson. 

In 1962, Danny met Betty Jane Rowles on a school bus heading to William Campbell High School. Danny and Betty married two years later and were married for 62 and ½ years. 

During that time, they had three children, Susan Dickerson Coalson, married to Keith Rudd Coalson, Angela Dickerson Drinkard and Finnie Rae Dickerson. Cherishing his memory are his granddaughters, Kesler Dallas Coalson (Stephen Jordan) and McKenna Holt Coalson Finchum (Timothy Finchum).  Escorting Danny into the wonderful world of great grandparenthood are Mazie Jane Finchum (6) and Beckett Rudd Finchum (2).  Also, cherishing his memory is his friend Bill Miller, who Danny treated like a son.  There is also a host of additional friends and family who will keep his memory alive.

In 2005, Danny retired from Framatome as an IT Specialist. 

Danny was gifted in woodworking, he is well known for his cutting boards, charcuterie boards, rolling pins and ink pens, to name a few.  When he wasn’t wood crafting, he was a sewing artist, creating quilts and aprons.   A true nurturer of his backyard garden and a culinarian of biscuits, cheesecakes, fried chicken, and many Italian dishes.  His children will attest that these skills skipped a generation. 

Danny lived life to the fullest and brought joy to everyone he met.  His kindness and his generosity will continue to inspire us all.  Danny had a witty sense of humor, always ready with a clever comeback for any situation. Betty always says that he doesn’t talk much but when he does, you better listen.  Though he is no longer with us, the love and memories he created will live on in our hearts forever. 

Services will be held at Beulah Baptist Church located at 528 Leesville Road, Lynchburg, VA on Wednesday, July 15 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Beulah Baptist Church or Calvary Baptist Church.

Danny will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always felt in the hearts of those lucky enough to have known him.

Frances Edna Goff Staton, 82, of Bedford, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026. She was born in Bedford, VA on November 25, 1943 a daughter of the late Thomas William Goff and Mattie Frances Tolley Goff. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard Wade Staton; son, James Lee Staton; brothers, Jesse Goff, Jake Goff, Billy Goff, Marshall Goff; and sisters, Helen Cash, Dot Overstreet, and Lois Andrews.

Frances Staton dedicated her life to caring for those she loved. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the comforting aromas of meals she lovingly prepared. Cooking for her family brought her immense joy, and there was nothing she cherished more than gathering everyone around the table.

She was gifted with her hands and her heart. Whether she was sewing, crocheting beautiful keepsakes, or creating something special for someone she loved, everything she made was a reflection of her kindness and generosity. Her talents will continue to live on in the treasured items she leaves behind and in the memories they hold.

Above all else, family was the center of her world. There wasn’t a moment she wasn’t there to offer love, guidance, encouragement, or a comforting embrace. She created a lifetime of memories that her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who knew her will carry with them forever.

Though our hearts are broken by her passing, we find comfort in knowing that her legacy of unconditional love, selflessness, and strength will continue to live on through each of us. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Her family asks that she be remembered not only for the way she left this world, but for the beautiful way she lived her life and the countless lives she touched with her love.

Frances is survived by her children, Dwayne Staton, Angie Musick (Jessee), Rodney “Punkin” Staton, Kenneth Earl Staton, Elmer Douglas Staton, Melissa “Missy” Dutton (Phillip); grandchildren, Kristy Staton, Nicole Musick, Dwayne Musick, Amber Dawn Webb, Ronnie Dale Staton, Kody Musick, Demetre Dutton, Tyler Musick, Diana Staton, Edward Dutton, Arianna Staton (Aryan); brothers, Albert Goff, Lloyd Goff, Leroy Goff (Brenda); sisters, Peggy Orange, Annie Bell Reynolds; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St. Bedford. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026 at Hunting Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Earl Ragland officiating.

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Joseph Dylan Phillips, known lovingly to family and friends as Dylan, passed away on July 4, 2026, in Charlottesville, Virginia, after a courageous battle with a long and severe illness. He was 33 years old.

Born on October 5, 1992, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dylan grew up with an unmistakable warmth that drew people to him from an early age. He graduated from high school in Amity, Arkansas, where he began building the countless friendships that would define his life. Dylan never met a stranger, and everyone who crossed his path quickly came to love him. His gentle spirit, kind heart, and wonderful sense of humor left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

A hard worker throughout his life, Dylan most recently worked for Springhill Marriott in Lynchburg, Virginia, a fitting profession for someone whose natural gift was making others feel welcomed and valued. His deep love for America and everything the country stands for was a cornerstone of who he was. When he was not working, Dylan could be found doing what he loved most: hunting, fishing, and spending time in the great outdoors. He absolutely loved time spent looking after his beloved nieces and nephews. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family, whom he loved dearly. He was, in every sense, the best son, brother, uncle, and friend anyone could ask for.

Dylan is survived by his mother, Tonya Justis (Frank); his sisters, Chelsea Lynch (Jason), Kinsley Mayberry (Lukas), and Hannah Olcott; his nieces, Randi and Sophia; and his nephews, Owen, Harrison, and Luka. Also, a ton of cousins, aunts, and uncles…who he loved dearly! Dylan also has too many friends to list, in which he considered family. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Phillips, grandfather Patrick Phillips, grandmother Cynthia Phillips, grandfather Harold Magill, and grandmother Bonnie Magill.

May Dylan find eternal peace and rest in the arms of his Heavenly Father, reunited with his family who passed before him, free from pain and illness at last.

A celebration of life will be held on August 22 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Solara Ridge, located at 7903 Charlemont Rd, Goode, VA 24556. Family and friends are welcome to gather, share memories, and honor the remarkable life Dylan lived.

“We will endure a lifetime of missing you for the privilege of loving you.” Gone but never forgotten, Dylan will remain forever in the hearts of all who loved him.

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.