Obituaries

Charles Edward Foley, of Yorktown, Virginia, was gently carried home by his Savior and Lord Jesus from his earthly home, where he was surrounded by his loved ones, on Monday, October 6, 2025, at age 97.

Charles was born at his family home in Kimball (Luray), Page County, Virginia. He is the second of three sons born to Angie Gaynelle Stombock Foley and Joseph Vernon Foley, Sr.

Preceding him in death were his infant son, Kenneth Wayne Foley, his parents, his childhood sweetheart and wife Marilyn (Bitty) June Logan Foley, his brothers Joseph V. Foley, Jr. and Roland S. Foley, 4 sisters-in-law and 4 brothers-in-law
from the Logan and Foley families, and his second wife, Joanne Foley, who is survived by Lisa Adkins and Joshua Divine.

Charles accepted Jesus as his Savior at the age of 11 during a revival at his church in Luray. He was greatly influenced by his parents, who were involved with their church and community, and set the example for him of service to and compassion for others. Charles shared many stories of his childhood on the family farm, enjoying the freedom of being outdoors and working hard for a living from an early age. He began by pulling weeds and went on to work at the local grocery store, drugstore, and as a guide at Luray Caverns. He experienced many changes in world events, which impacted his formative years. He often said he had lived a great life and was grateful for God’s many blessings during his 97 years.

Charles is a graduate of Luray High School, Class of 1946, and he went on to study at the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School, graduating in 1952. He married Marilyn (Bitty) on August 2, 1952, and they made their home in Hampton Roads for 42 years, with a 2-year stay at Fort Benning, Georgia, while serving in the military. Charles is an Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict. He and Marilyn raised their 3 children in Hampton, and during that time, they were very active members of Parkview Baptist Church of Newport News. Charles taught Sunday School, served as a deacon and usher, worked on the property at the Eastover Christian Retreat, and served on the visitation committee and pastor search committee. He was employed at Newport News Shipbuilding for 30 years as a draftsman and at the Norfolk Navy Yard for 15 years before retiring. He and Marilyn later became members of Liberty Baptist Church of Hampton, before she passed on February 19, 1994, after a two-year battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. In August of 1997, he married Joanne Hearn, who was also a Liberty member. Charles served his church family at Liberty as a member and president of the HeartThrobs Choir, on the grounds and builders committees, and as an usher. He made his rounds on Sunday mornings to the Happy Class and many other classes to greet the members and assist with whatever was needed. He and Joanne enjoyed going on many excursions with the senior adults and HeartThrobs Choir. Charles became a widower a second time when Joanne passed in February of 2022.

Charles had many dear friends at his local churches, and his church families were of great importance to him. He touched lives with his friendly smile and gentle manner. He loved and prayed daily for his family members and friends. Charles was loyal, caring, and steadfast. He loved his country and supported justice. He enjoyed taking care of his family and his home, and he was our rock.

We, his children, were given the great gift of a dad whose life proves what it means to be a Father. Dad led by his example and pointed the way for us toward our Heavenly Father, while seeking guidance from Him. He was truly a godly man. His life verse is “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6. We are grateful for Dad’s life and for the way he shared life with us and sacrificed for us. We had the privilege of knowing we were prayed over and dearly loved by both of our parents.

Charles is survived by his two dear sisters-in-law, Mrs. Garnetta Judd Foley and Mrs. Bette Smith Logan, both of Luray. Beloved Children: Keith and LaDonna Williams Foley, Bruce Foley, and Linda Foley Hensley; Cherished Grandchildren, eldest to youngest: Laura(Peter) Shaker of CA Mary(Mason) Barrett of S.C. Carolyn(Ryan) Fassett of WA Amy(Jesse) Garcia of AR Seth(Honesty) Foley of N.C. Shane(Brooke) Foley of VA; Adored Great-Grandchildren, eldest to youngest: Linda Barrett, Benjamin Shaker, Jeremiah Garcia, Gavin Garcia, Helena Shaker, Jude Barrett, Amanda Shaker, Addyson Garcia, Aiden Barrett, Arelya Fassett, Lochlan Foley, Zachariah Fassett, and Kaulder Foley. His surviving extended family includes his dear nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to extend our sincere thanks to Dad’s extraordinary team of seven caregivers, led by Megan, including Edna, Yvette, Linda, Ericka, Ray, and Courtney, who kept it all together and made it work with loving hands and hearts. You each became family to Dad and to us. You are angels. We thank his team of doctors, led by Dr. Thomas Robeson. We also wish to acknowledge Bristol Hospice for their recent care and support.

We thank Dad’s many friends and neighbors who showed kindness and love and brought smiles along the way. There will be a service to honor Charles, which will be live-streamed for those who are unable to attend in person, at www.peninsulafuneralhome. com, available at 12:45 p.m., on Tuesday, October 14, at Peninsula Funeral Home, Newport News, VA. The family will receive friends starting at 1:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m., and the burial taking place in Peninsula Memorial Park. Pastor Joe Hunt officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of a contribution to the charity of your choice, as this will be the best way to show support and care.