Charles Bristow

Charles Melvin Bristow, Jr. December 3, 1931 – May 6, 2016. Charles spent a lifetime donning coat and tie as a funeral director. He was simply polished. A few years ago, his son mentioned to him at lunch that his hair was looking wild. He replied “I don’t give a damn anymore.” He understood the essence of life. He was keenly aware that the important aspects of life embodied; his friends and family, enjoying the company of friends regularly, solid relationships, taking care of people, doing the right thing regardless, listening to people’s concerns and always attempting to be a great role model. He reached unparralled achievement at listening to people when they needed to talk. He wisely realized that there were always two sides to an argument. He would often turn concerns into a smile; sharing one of his never ending cache of stories. Once endearingly tagged by a friend, Charles was a ‘wealth of packsaddle yarns’. Charles’s actions reflected his values. While visiting an elderly lady regarding an aging funeral debt, he ultimately left her home after paying her electricity bill.

Charles M. Bristow, Jr. is survived by his wife Betty Page Waddill Bristow; his daughter Cynthia Page Bristow (Cyndy); his son Charles Reginald Bristow (Reggie, Reg, or Reginald to Charles) and wife Judy Lin Bristow; three grandsons; Kobe Franklin Bristow (11); Jett Lin Bristow (9); and Jock Lee Bristow (3). He knew there were a variety of styles and personalities, and he had a special place in his heart and a smile for each one in his family.

His emotions and love for his daughter Cyndy brought tears of love to his eyes immediately. His often repeated advice to his son among other special gems included his favorites; do the best you can, play ball aggressively even with friends; with ultimate decency, dance with and kiss as many girls as you can and make sure if you have a girl, that you have two or three others as well.

He and his wife and love of 63 years, took pride in maintaining their home and businesses, only because they enjoyed it, they believed it was proper, and it created a pleasant, peaceful environment for his family, and the families he served for 60 years. Charles maintained the highest standards for professionalism and care for his service as a third generation funeral director. He partnered in business with his great friend Bill Faulkner in several funeral homes; Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home in Mathews County; Marks-Bristow Funeral Home in Tappahannock which included a partner, local funeral director Jeannette Baylor; and his cherished Bristow-Faulkner Funeral Home in Saluda which was originally his childhood home and remained his sacred ground. Charles maintained a few business partnerships with other close friends in investments that he was knowledgeable and cared in varying degrees because he simply trusted his friends.

At eighty-four, he wheeled an iPhone like a twenty year-old. His mind remained sharp and alert. He served his community as a member of the Urbanna United Methodist Church, Urbanna Masonic Lodge, Urbanna Royal Arch Chapter, Shrine & Scottish Rite, Central Middlesex Volunteer Rescue Squad, Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department, Urbanna Boosters Club and Middlesex Lions Club. He was a founding member of the Urbanna Oyster Festival Foundation. He was also proud to mention that he was the first running-back on the Middlesex High School football team (then the Saluda Saxons) for which his father ‘Jock’ Bristow had combed the county for contributions for uniforms.

Additionally, he was equally as happy to share that he served in the US Army during the Korean War. However, his Sergeant saw his talent as a seasoned baseball pitcher and kept him close to home for inter-company games. His heroes were few consisting mostly of renowned football coach Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant and decorated US Marine Corps Lieutenant General Lewis B. ‘Chesty’ Puller of Saluda. The stories highlighting the values of each man ran strong and deep through Charles. He rarely became upset. But one incident while his son Reg was in high school generated a phone call from the principal informing him that Reg was serving detention hall for kissing a girl on the cheek before class. He was instantly upset and enormously proud. He phoned a few friends to share the fantastic news before visiting the school principal where he gently presented his position of pride relieving his son from detention hall.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 9, 2016 in the Bristow-Faulkner Funeral Home, Saluda. Interment will follow in the family cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 – 4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. at the funeral home on Sunday, May 8, 2016.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to be made to The Virginia Home, 1101 Hampton St., Richmond, VA 23220. Charles would hesitate but deeply enjoy adding that you also put aside a little reserve to go out and enjoy a great time with friends.