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 |
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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Robert E. Brown
Chief Operating Officer |
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 and is currently attending Virginia Commonwealth University. He has been with Bliley’s for more than 25 years, and now manages the daily operations of Blileys. While not at work, Bob enjoys spending time with his wife and two teenage sons while travelling or attending his sons’ soccer and baseball games and track meets. 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 those needs.” |
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Bill Carter
Ceremony and Care Center Manager
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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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James Barnett
Ceremony Planning Manager |
James Barnett joined the Bliley family in 1998 after earning his degree in mortuary science from John Tyler Community College. He is dedicated to the Bliley ideals of serving bereaved families with compassion, honor and respect. James takes time to develop a personal relationship with each family he helps and works diligently to design services that meet their individual needs. James is an avid fisherman and enjoys spending time at the river with his wife and children.
“My desire is to provide every family the proper forum to grieve and to say good-bye in a way that honors their loved one and allows them to take away a good positive memory picture.” |
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Colin Cluff
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 is a graduate of John A. Gupton Mortuary College in Nashville, TN. He has been with Bliley’s since 1965 – leaving only when called to serve his country in the U.S. Army for two years starting from 1966-1968, with one year of his time spent in Vietnam. Marshall is a past president and member of the Hanover Rotary Club, has a lifetime membership in the Lee Davis Band Boosters, is a charter member of the Hot Springs, Volunteer Rescue Squad and attends Fairfield Presbyterian Church in Mechanicsville. His wife, two daughters and two grandsons are proud of his many community achievements. "I enjoy helping people, and hope that in some small way I am able to make a very difficult time a little easier." |
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Eric Bliley
Manager – Staples Mill |
Eric is part of the fourth generation of the Bliley family leadership. His father was the late Joseph W. Bliley, III, former President of Blileys. Eric graduated from Trinity Episcopal High School in 2002 and received his BA degree in Business Management from Lynchburg College in 2006. From there he attended Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service for his Associate’s Degree in Funeral Service. He became a licensed Funeral Director in February in of 2009. Eric is married and has one son. He enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf at every level. When time permits, he can be spotted on local golf courses with his cousin Carey Bliley. Eric brings passion and vision for the future to continue the Bliley family tradition and reputation to the Richmond community.
"I encourage all families to bring their unique traditions to Bliley’s. I strive for families to have full confidence and satisfaction with their choices while in my care. It is my goal to help families take that first step into the unknown when losing someone they love, and guide them through this journey." |
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Allen Melton
Manager - Central |
Allen grew up in the Mechanicsville area of Hanover County. After graduating from Lee Davis High School, he began to take steps to pursue his passion of helping others. He joined Bliley's in 1994 as an apprentice and graduated from the Mortuary Science program at John Tyler community college in 1996. Allen still resides in Mechanicsville and in his spare time he enjoys gardening, embraces history of the Hanover Co and surrounding areas and helping friends and family. As an animal lover, he enjoys time with his dog "Rosie" and supporting various animal shelters in the area.
“I am very honored to be in a role where I can assist families create a memorable celebration of their loved one's life. Sometimes it's the smallest details that make a difference.” |
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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
Chief Financial Officer/
Director of Human Resources |
Ann Jones came to Bliley’s twelve years ago with a wealth of experience from her time with Cadmus Communications and A. H. Robins. Ann currently directs and oversees all of the financial activities for the company and assists families with any financial questions or concerns they may have. In her role as Director of Human Resources she develops, implements and oversees Human Resources policies and programs for the company from staffing to operations. When Ann and her husband Jimmy aren’t spending time with their three children and eight grandchildren they enjoy traveling and enjoying time at home with their five dogs and four cats.
“My team and 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.” |
