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Key Staff
Nicholas M. Bliley
CEO |
Nick Bliley has been a part of Bliley's for more than 45 years, ever since he began his funeral service apprenticeship on June 10, 1962. Nick attended Benedictine High School, St. Bernard College and Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science before dedicating himself to the family business. If you ask Nick what he most enjoys about what he does, he'll tell you that it's meeting new people every day. He's committed to his work, as well as his family - his wife, son and daughter-in-law, and granddaughters. He is also on the troop committee for St. Paul's Episcopal Church Troop number 400, a member of the Bon Air Rotary Club, the treasurer for Senator John Watkins, and President of Holy Cross Cemetery.
"My primary goal has always been making sure that we achieve excellence in everything we do for the families we serve - from planning initial arrangements to carrying them out." |
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Norbert M. Bliley
Secretary & Treasurer |
Norbert Bliley has been a part of Bliley's for more than 40 years. He started working part-time after finishing high school, went on to attend Southwood College, and completed his mortician degree from John Tyler Community College. He supports the family commitment to service, whether it's to individual families or the community as a whole. He's passed this commitment on to son, Carey, the company's president and C.O.O. When Norbert isn't spending free time with his family, he pursues his second passion - golf.
"Part of working with a family is letting them know that you truly care about them and what they are going through, and treating them like family. It's about sharing what defines us - compassion and respect." |
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M. Carey Bliley
President & COO |
Carey Bliley has been helping out at Bliley’s since he was a child, though he didn’t formally join the staff until 1999. Growing up at Bliley’s helped shape his personal belief that this work is not just his profession, but his vocation. Carey graduated from St. Christopher’s School in 1995, and then secured his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Management from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. From there he attended the Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service for his Associate’s Degree in Funeral Service, graduating as the Valedictorian of his class. He has pursued two other interests almost as long as he has been helping out at Bliley’s: he has been golfing since age 5 and playing the piano since age 8. He and his wife welcomed the next generation of the Bliley family in 2006, with the birth of their son.
“I try to develop a personal relationship with each family, establishing a lasting trust. I believe that being able to serve families this way is part of being a Bliley – to want to be there for others.” |
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Jim C. Dickerson
Manager – Central |
Jim Dickerson has been a licensed funeral director since 1969, having graduated from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. His background also includes a 20-year professional business career with IBM in the Richmond area. As the manager for Bliley's Central location, he helps oversee daily operations - from staffing and scheduling to leadership management. He is a member of Richmond Lodge #10, A.F. & A.M., and is a deacon at Mount Vernon Baptist Church. He spends his free time with his wife Ann, as well as playing softball in the Hanover Senior Softball League. He brought his love of softball to Bliley's, helping form the first ever Bliley's Softball Team. We congratulate Jim who was recently elected Vice President of the Central District Funeral Directors Association for 2008-2009.
"When helping someone through one of the hardest times they will ever face, I focus on treating them the same way I would want to be treated." |
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Bill Carter
Assistant Manager – Central
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Bill was drawn to the profession when he began working on a part-time basis for Bliley’s. Through the process of providing initial comfort to the bereaved, he discovered a passion for wanting to help people on a personal level. Since 1996, Bill has worked with Bliley’s to serve the community. He graduated from the John Tyler Community College Mortuary Science Program in 1999. He is a deacon at Gwathmey Baptist Church in Ashland, VA, a member of the church softball team, and an auxiliary member of the Veteran’s of the Vietnam War, Inc. When he and his wife, Candice, aren’t spending time with their two dogs Girlie and Alice, they can be found teaching Sunday school together.
"My primary goal is to provide uncompromised service while eliminating stress on a family – giving them the proper time and forum for grief. " |
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Robert E. Brown
Manager – Chippenham |
Bob Brown found his calling while still in high school, by working at a funeral home in West Point, VA. He earned his associate degree at Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He has been with Bliley’s for more than 20 years, and currently manages operations and daily administration of the Chippenham location. He’s also discovered a way to be active in the community and spend time with his family (a wife and two sons), at the same time – he is a soccer and Little League baseball coach. He also is a member and past President of The Brandermill Rotary Club.
“Every person and every family is different, and deserves individual attention. We listen carefully and help define every need, then work to meet each one.” |
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Colin Cluff
Assistant Manager – Chippenham |
Colin joined the Bliley team in 1991. When Colin was growing up, the father of a good friend was the local funeral director, so Colin learned very early the value and reward of assisting families during difficult times. Colin completed his degree in Mortuary Science from John Tyler Community College. A member of the Central Chesterfield Ruritan Club, Colin serves his community as well as his clients.
"My goal is to serve every client with the knowledge that I have made a lifelong connection, not just to an individual, but to a family." |
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W. Marshall Hart
Manager – Staples Mill |
Marshall Hart has been with Bliley’s since 1965. He is a graduate of John A. Gupton Mortuary College in Nashville, TN and has only been absent from the Bliley’s roster when called to serve his country for two years in the US Army, one of which was in Viet Nam. His wife, two daughters and grandson are proud of his many community achievements. Among them, he is past president and member of the Hanover Rotary Club and has a lifetime membership in the Lee Davis Band Boosters and the Black Creek Volunteer Fire Department. , Marshall and his wife also attend Fairfield Presbyterian Church,
“I enjoy helping people, and hope that in some small way I am able to make a very difficult time less painful.” |
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Ronald T. Dougan
Assistant Manager –Staples Mill |
Ronnie Dougan began serving families on a part-time basis when he was in high school, then moved on to complete his formal training at John Tyler Community College in Mortuary Science. He’s been with Bliley’s for 12 years. When he isn’t assisting with daily operations and helping families and employees at the Staples Mill location, he enjoys working with organizations such as the Ruritans and the Hanover Club. He also reserves time for his wife, two daughters, and two black labs.
“My goal is to provide the best service possible in a kind and caring manner.” |
Rob Hagan
Post Care
Service Coordinator |
After thirty years in the ministry, Rob Hagan joined Bliley’s with a desire to use the counseling, teaching and public relations skills he learned as a priest to help families through difficult times in their lives. As the Post Care Service Coordinator, Rob assists families after the funeral when the sense of loss can feel overwhelming. Knowing first hand the powerful and healing benefits of relationships, Rob provides invaluable support to grieving individuals through this period in their lives. Raised in Richmond, Rob enjoys sharing his love of music with others as a singer in the Richmond Men’s Chorus and the Sacred Heart Cathedral Choir.
"What appeals to me most about this work is the privilege of accompanying individuals through a crucial stage of their lives in whatever way I can. Grieving can be a difficult but life-giving process. I hope to facilitate that with them.” |
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Ann N. Jones
Director of Human
Resources & Finance |
Ann Jones came to Bliley’s five years ago with a wealth of experience from her time with Cadmus and A.H. Robins. At Bliley’s, she assists families with any financial questions or concerns they may have. She also develops company policies and procedures that help guide everything from staffing to operations. Ann has a husband, three children and eight grandchildren. A few children – three dogs and four cats – still live at home.
“I take pleasure in serving the needs of the families we help, as well as supporting Bliley’s that we may continue to be a positive force in the community.” |
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Val Ouellette
Advanced Planning Counselor |
Val Ouellette attended the New England Institute of Anatomy in Boston, MA, after completing his high school education at Richmond's Benedictine High School. Val credits an uncle who lived in Maine and worked in the funeral industry, as the source of his interest in this particular field. His focus on serving carries over to his work with the local Knights of Columbus, a church based charitable organization. Otherwise, one might spot Val at the Willow Oaks Country Club, or spending time with his wife, four daughters, and nine grandchildren.
"I've always wanted to work with people, and can't imagine doing anything I'd love more than exactly what I do now." |
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David R. Nelson
Advanced Planning Counselor |
Like many of his peers, David has had a long-time interest in working in the funeral industry. He earned his degree in Mortuary Science from John Tyler Community College, and has been licensed in funeral service since 1979. He has been with Bliley's for five years, and focuses on achieving complete customer satisfaction. In addition to committing time to his church and its orchestra, he has raised Labrador Retrievers with his wife, a family nurse practitioner.
"I work with each client to provide the information they need to make an informed decision, and help them choose a service that is right for them." |
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Donna Raye Harris Preparation Room Manager |
Donna wanted to be a funeral director ever since she was in elementary school. After graduating from Patrick Henry High School, she attended Longwood College. She also received an Associate Degree in Applied Science from John Tyler Community College. With Bliley's since 2000, she currently serves as the Preparation Room Manager, and supervises daily work activities and inventory control. She is a member of Independence Christian Church, the Stagg Creek Hunt Club and Independence Hunt Club. A native of Ashland, she still lives there, and shares her home with her two dachshunds, Clyde Raye and Gus Raye.
"I enjoy helping families plan meaningful farewells for their loved ones, as well as helping them work toward acceptance in dealing with their loss." |
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