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