What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 4pm Tuesday 9am - 4pm Wednesday 9am - 4pm Thursday 9am - 4pm Friday 9am - 4pm

Burch-Messier Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 317 W Main Street, Bedford, VA (2026)

04/04/2026

Elvin “Buddy” Eugene Williams Jr., 65, of Bedford, peacefully departed this world on Friday, April 3, 2026. Buddy found enjoyment watching the Dallas Cowboys play and talking about old times with his family. He was born in Salem, VA on January 9, 1961. He was preceded in death by his father, Elvin Williams Sr. and his dear sister, Patricia Parrish. He leaves behind fond memories for his mother Diane Wooldridge; a sister, Lori Wright(Ben); a very special niece, Traci Brads (Ryan); and nephews, Jimmy Dehart and Billy Hyler. Private Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360

04/03/2026

Roger Dale Overstreet Sr., 73, of Bedford, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. He was born in Bedford, VA on October 26, 1952 a son of the late Ishmael and Nettie Overstreet. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen Elaine Overstreet; four brothers, two sisters, a grandson and a great-granddaughter. He is survived by a daughter, Tiffany Overstreet (Jeremy); two sons, Roger Overstreet, Jr. and Timmy Brads (Andrea); nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Many nieces, nephew, friends and a special thank you to Dennis and Pat for staying by his side till the end. A graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 6, 2026 in Peak Church Community Cemetery with Rev. Rick Dellinger officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

04/02/2026

Our beloved mother, Barbara (Bobbi) Lee Smith formerly of Culpeper, VA peacefully departed our world on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Bedford, VA. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Harry and Mary Smith (Culpeper, VA); husband, Jimmy L Smith (Fredericksburg, VA); one brother, James Smith (Orange, VA); son, Michael L Kellison (Fredericksburg, VA); and three grandsons, John W. Jenkins Jr, (Culpeper, VA), Victor J Remlinger (King George, VA), and Mathew A Coder (Fredericksburg, VA).
She is survived by her four daughters, Tammy L Jenkins and Terri P Vermillion both of King George, VA, Tracy M Brill of Rocky Mount, NC, Tonni A Brill (Tony Brill) of Big Island, VA, one brother, Gary P Smith of King George, VA; and twenty grandchildren/great grandchildren.
She will remain greatly loved and will be missed by her family and friends. Praise God she has gone to be with her maker.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, April 6, 2026 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford VA.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

03/31/2026

Frances G. Underwood, 88, of Bedford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 29, 2026. She was born in Bedford Va on November 17, 1937, and was a daughter of the late Carl and Louise Gray. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Carl "Buck" Gray and Randy Gray; and her sister, Jean Bowden.
Frances devoted her life to her family and her many friends. While she held many roles throughout her life, the one she treasured most was being "Granny" to her grandchildren—and to the many children others lovingly entrusted to her care. She had a special gift for hospitality, always welcoming visitors with freshly baked desserts and a warm cup of coffee. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 70 years, James L. Underwood; her sister, Doris G. Williams of Boonesboro; her sister-in-law, Shirley Barger (Chris); three daughters, Deborah Horner (Don), Janet Buttram (Jimmy), and Laura Mitchell (Alan); four grandchildren, Corey Buttram (Cash), Carly Whitener (Adam), Jamie Looney (Rosie), and Joey Looney (Molly); and three great-grandchildren, Neve McDonough, Johnathan Looney-Wilson, and Paige Whitener.
A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford with Rev. Earl Ragland officiating. Burial will follow in Peaks Church Community Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
In keeping with Frances's warm and welcoming spirit, casual and comfortable attire is encouraged as family and friends gather to celebrate her life.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

03/30/2026

James W. Hafey of Wirtz, Virginia, passed away on March 27, 2026. He was born May 6, 1949, in York, Pennsylvania, a son of H. Charles Hafey and Margaret Plitt Hafey. He is survived by his wife, Jan Hafey; his children, Michael Hafey (Sally) and Patricia Breton (Tyler), and grandchildren; Kailee and Hannah Hoffman and Thomas John Hafey. He also is survived by his sister Lynn Freitag (Chuck) and brother Dan Hafey (Robin) and his sisters-in-law Patricia Gallagher (Buddy) and Shirley Spangler (Tom) and his brother-in-law Tom (Karen) Brett and many nieces and nephews.
Jim’s career spanned from working in his family’s beverage business, G. F. Plitt & Son in York, Pennsylvania, to working for Great American Insurance Company in Windsor, Connecticut and later for St. Joseph Residence in Enfield, Connecticut.
Jim was a devoted family man. He loved entertaining his children and grandchildren and seeing them through their years of sports and scouting.
He enjoyed sailing, biking and camping. He was an Eagle Scout and led Mike and other young men to achieve their Eagle Scout rank. He cheered Trish in her swim, softball and soccer teams and Mike in his soccer, baseball and football seasons.
Jim was also devoted to his faith as an active participant in Holy Family Church in Enfield, Connecticut. He served as a lector and assisted with funeral Masses.
He served his community through the St Vincent de Paul Society and to the local Pro-Life community.
Jim’s family wishes to thank the nursing staff at Runk & Pratt at Smith Mountain Lake for the kind and loving care given to Jim in the last two years of Jim’s life. We are also grateful to Medi Hospice for the comfort and support given to Jim and his family during the last few months of Jim’s life.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta, VA. Burial will directly follow the Mass in the Church cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00.
A time of gathering and sharing memories, with lunch provided, will be held immediately following the burial. It will be held in Morrow Hall (lower level of the church). All are welcome to join the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lake Christian Ministries in Moneta (smlgives.org) or to Bedford Pregnancy Center (bedfordpregnancy.org/donate) or to Resurrection Catholic Church, 15353 Moneta Rd, Moneta, VA 24121.
Arrangements by Burch – Messier Funeral Home in Bedford, Virginia 540-586-7360.

03/25/2026

Benjamin (Buck) S. Irby
February 22, 1941 -- March 23, 2026
Benjamin (Buck) S. Irby, 85, of Gretna, died on Monday, March 23, 2026, at his residence. Born on February 22, 1941, in Pittsylvania County, he was the son of the late Robert Hugh Irby and Willie Florence Bailess Irby. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five sisters, Reva, Odessa, and Evelynn Irby, Vera Hall, and Naomi McGhee; and six brothers, Robert, Hugh Paul, Enek, Timothy, Sam and Dwight.
He is survived by his ex-wife Lorene Irby; one son, Steve Irby (Robyn Weeks); and two daughters, Bonnie Eubank (Gary Hogan), and Jennifer Mitchell (Barry Chism); two granddaughters, Crystal Curtis (Chris Curtis) and Brandee Eubank Alexander (Quanta Alexander); two great-granddaughters, Emilee Curtis ( Cole Anderson) and Erin Curtis; one great-grandson, Kaydn Alexander; one great-great grandson, Waylon Anderson; one sister-in-law, Barbara Coffey Irby; and also many nieces and nephews and their children.
There will be no services, but the family will receive friends and family at his residence on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-760.

03/24/2026

Janice Faye Carter Perkins, 79, of Bedford, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, March 23, 2026. She was born in Smyth County, VA on May 19, 1946 a daughter of the late Kenneth Grundy “KG” Carter and Cora Crewey Carter. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Wanda Barnette, Les Johnson, Janavee Buchanan, John Carter, and Jim Carter.
She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Charles Glen Perkins; children, Lisa Wilson, Bobby Perkins (Kristy); grandchildren, Carter Ellis Wilson, Riley Elizabeth Wilson, Matthew Vadin Perkins, Andrew Eden Perkins, Kadi Josephine Perkins, Bejamin Zakia Perkins, Isaiah Luke Perkins; and her sisters, Carole Stavitski (Bill) and Gilda Schlesinger (Bob).
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Lighthouse Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Daniel Smith and Rev. Bart Hogge officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Harvest Free Will Baptist Child Care Ministries, P.O. Box 259, Duffield, VA 24244. www.harvestccm.org
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

03/18/2026

Andrew Kyle Turner, 24, of Lynchburg, passed away on Saturday March 14, 2026. He was born in Atlanta, GA on March 20, 2001, a son of Edward Alan Turner and Rhonda Darlene Turner.
Andrew is preceded in death by grandparents, James Thomas of Hartwell, GA, James Robert and Gloria Turner of Sylvania, GA, and Rick Tucker of Forsyth, GA.
He was a long-time member of Eagles Landing First Baptist Church and attended Thomas Road Baptist Church since moving to Lynchburg in 2021.
Andrew is survived by his parents, Eddie and Rhonda Turner; brothers, James Turner and Dan Turner and sister-in-Law Holly Turner; nieces, Madelyn Turner and Katelyn Turner, grandmother, Mary Thomas; aunts, Patty Crumbley, Cindy Valentine, Sue Whitener (Dennis), Mary Ann Tucker; uncles, David Thomas, Jimmy Thomas (Susan), and Clyde Turner (Melissa), cousins, Michelle Crumbley (Justin), Elizabeth Ray, Christina Saffo (Nick), Brandon Valentine, Adam Thomas (Leslie), Matt Thomas, Lori Bowen (Kevin), Joshua Whitener (Niki), Paul Turner, Kirk Tucker (Kaitlyn), Benjamin Whitener (Abby), Brad Turner, Troy Tucker (Ayrn); and many great nieces and nephews.
Andrew attended Eagles Landing Christian Academy and Creekside Christian Academy in Mcdonough, GA and graduated from Salem Christian School in Goochland, VA. He was an avid golfer in school and worked in golf course maintenance.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Saturday March 21, 2026 at Pates Chapel Thomas Road Baptist Church, 1 Mountain View Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502 for family and friends.
“Drew, we will see you soon!’
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, VA (540)-586-7360.

03/13/2026

Al Martin, 83, of Bedford, Virginia, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026. He was born November 4, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan, a son of the late Edward Martin, Sr. and Jessie Martin. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Edward Martin, Jr.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Jean Martin; and his daughter, Julie (Darrell) Mayhew; his sister, Linda (Buddy) Whatley; and several nieces and nephews.
Al served in the United States Coast Guard, stationed in Portsmouth, Virginia. While visiting his brother in Virginia Beach, he met the love of his life, Jean, and married her two weeks later. They moved to Larchmont in Norfolk, Virginia where they resided until they retired to Bedford, Virginia.
Al was a salesman for Empire Machinery& Supply and worked construction on the weekends. When he wasn't working odd jobs, he loved going deep sea fishing with his buddies, bringing home his catch of the day and telling tales of the one that got away. He also enjoyed entertaining friends and neighbors with oyster roasts and crab feasts, when they were in season.
However, most people will remember him for his love of fine art and antiques. Another one of his hobbies was going to garage sales on Saturday mornings. With his coffee, newspaper, and map in hand, you never knew what treasures he would find and bring home. As a guest in our home, it was mandatory to visit his workshop for a little show and tell about his latest project restoring a piece of furniture or the latest addition to his many collections.
After retiring to Bedford, Al traded in his fishing poles for a John Deere, taking pride in his yard and gardens. He still went to garage sales on Saturday mornings and enjoyed tinkering in his workshop. He loved spending time with his family, dogs, and grand-dogs, which is why in lieu of flowers, in his memory, please consider making a donation to the Bedford County Animal Shelter. Needless to say, Al will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the first responders of the Bedford County Fire and Rescue Squad.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

03/12/2026

Melanie Clark Hodges Munsterman of Lynchburg, Va, passed into the Arms of God
on January 18, 2026. She is predeceased by her mother, Sheila Viar Clark.
She is survived by her daughter, Christen Hodges (Angus); beloved grandson, Waylon; father, Jerry Clark, Sr. (Madeline); brother, Jerry Clark, Jr. (Ivonne); and two aunts, Sandra Clark (Favorite Aunt) and Connie Clark.
Melanie attended Timberlake Christian School for 10 years and graduated from Heritage High School. She then pursued a career in Nursing and graduated from Virginia Baptist School of Nursing. She held many jobs in the Nursing Profession as a Nurse. She attended Jordan Baptist Church in Lynchburg. She was well loved by her family, and she loved them very much. She will forever be loved and will always be in our hearts!
At the request of the family all arrangements were private.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford VA, 540-586-7360.

Please consider memorial donations to help family with funeral expenses.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-melanies-funeral-services?attribution_id=sl:5f00c3bc-ee7c-4d6d-a698-a6e911a36386&lang=en_US&ts=1772915088&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp17_control-amp20_t1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=facebook

03/11/2026

With great sadness we announce the passing of Frank Anthony Ernandes, who was born into eternal life on March 5, 2026, after a brief illness. Frank was a giant in the defense industry. An Electrical Engineer with two Master’s Degrees, he specialized in radio frequency applications in the Aerospace field. He was well known to top military brass both at home and abroad, and once had a business meeting with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. He traveled the world extensively in his long career, which was capped by his responsibility for the design and construction of critical modules on the spacecraft that landed the Curiosity rover on Mars. In his later years, Frank collaborated with his son Tim to establish, manage, and run WSLK: the lake radio station, and Discover Smith Mountain Lake Magazine. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a devoted family man, a devout Catholic, a true patriot, and a man known for his generosity. He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Gisela Ernandes, and four sons: Timothy (Jo-Ann), Kenneth (Sharon), Gregory (Ingrid), and Christopher (Pamela), six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Salvatore and Marie Ernandes, his brother Joseph Ernandes, and his sister, Anna Carlsen, as well as his nephew, Kevin Carlsen, and his grandson, Alexander Ernandes. A Funeral Mass will be held at Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta, on Monday, March 16th, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be at the church, immediately prior to the Mass, starting at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford.

03/10/2026

***UPDATED WITH NEW SERVICE DATE***
John N. Bradley, Jr. passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the age of 78, after a two-week stay at Lynchburg General Hospital. John was the son of John N. “Jack” Bradley, Sr. and Mildred Bradley (née McCullough). He lived in Bedford, VA for his first sixteen years, before moving to Northern Virginia when his mother accepted a position with Fairfax County Public Schools.
John worked as an employee at IBM for twenty-five years before taking an early retirement. After that, he continued working with IBM on a contractual basis, as well as beginning to work with sound engineering and installation, a business that evolved out of volunteer work he did for the church he attended at the time.
After attending college in New Mexico, and living in Centreville, Virginia; Rochester, Minnesota;
and Marietta and Roswell in Georgia, John returned to his hometown of Bedford, Virginia in
2007. John was an active member of his local and church communities wherever he found himself
throughout his life. He was on the Board of Directors at the Sedalia Center, and did construction
work for Habitat for Humanity, until medical issues and treatment slowed him down in late
2019. He nonetheless continued volunteering at his church (Word of Life in Bedford) doing
audio engineering, and being active in the community.
John is survived by his son John Bradley, and daughter Teresa Bradley, his sister Suzannah
Kuhns, his dear friend Mary Lee Nance, as well as several cousins, nephews and nieces of
various removes. He was well loved, and will leave a perceptible empty space in his community.
A memorial service is planned for John on the afternoon of Saturday, March 21, at 2:00 pm at
Word Of Life church in Bedford, Virginia. Word of Life church is located at 912 Burks Hill Road,
Bedford, VA 24523.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Burch-Messier Funeral Home and Cremation Service

04/04/2026

04/03/2026

04/02/2026

03/31/2026

03/30/2026

03/25/2026

03/24/2026

03/18/2026

03/13/2026

03/12/2026

03/11/2026

03/10/2026

Address

Opening Hours

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Monday	9am - 4pm
Tuesday	9am - 4pm
Wednesday	9am - 4pm
Thursday	9am - 4pm
Friday	9am - 4pm