Charles Ellsworth Neff
Charles Ellsworth Neff (84) of Mt. Crawford, VA, passed from this life into the arms of his Savior on Monday, October 2, 2023. He was born in Nokesville, Va. on March 8, 1939 to Wilmer and Pauline (Colvin) Neff. He is survived by his wife, Jeanette (Curlett-Lynch), 3 sons: Philip E. Neff (Mary) of Timberville, VA, Charles E. Neff, Jr. (Christi) of Staunton, VA, and Clifton W. McDaniel-Neff (Heather) of Marshall, VA. He is also survived by stepchildren, Rachel R. Kirk (Nate) of Cocoa, FL, and Reuben W. Rion (Kelly) of Elkton, VA. In addition, he is survived by 2 brothers, Larry E. Neff of Staunton, VA, Richard L. Neff (Donna) of Verona, VA, a sister, Barbara Massie (Julian) of Amherst, VA, 4 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
The Bridgewater flood in June, 1949 saw 10 year old Ellsworth and his family spending over 10 hours in a pecan tree, which is still in existence today. Ellsworth had a life full of interesting stories, but he was best known for his fun-loving sense of humor.
He was a member of the first graduating class of Turner Ashby High School in 1957 and became a part time camera operator when WSVA was still WSVA AM-FM-TV. After receiving his First Class Radiotelephone license he was hired by WSVA as an engineer in 1960. He also worked for Comsonics in its infancy and spent 6 years as their Manager of Research and Development. In 1974 the WSVA TV station was sold and Ellsworth stayed on as WSVA-AM-FM's Chief Engineer. He kept those stations on the air for 50 years until his retirement in 2009. In 2006 he was honored by being the 9th recipient of the J. Jerry Freeman Excellence in Engineering Award by the Virginia Association of Broadcasters.
He was an avid Amateur Radio Operator and was instrumental in encouraging others to become Hams. He served as an officer on the board of directors for the Valley Amateur Radio Association (VARA) and the Massanutten Amateur Radio Association (MARA). He was also active in the Virginia Fone Net, and was awarded lifetime membership in the VFN in 2019.
In addition to his love of ham radio, he never lost his love of music. He sang bass in several choirs over the years, and was a member of the American Theater Organ Society. He was also a member of the Valley AeroSpace Team (VAST), a high-powered rocketry club. Ellsworth was a private pilot of fixed wing aircraft and helicopters.
He was a licensed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and was a Charter and Life Member of the Bridgewater Rescue Squad and was honored by being awarded lifetime membership. He was also a life member of the Bridgewater Fire Company. During his time as a fireman and squadman he delivered 7 babies, the third being his own firstborn.
Ellsworth was a member of Bridgewater Church of the Brethren where he was the audio-visual coordinator for 20 years before his retirement in 2020. A memorial service will take place there on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 3 o'clock at the church, located at 420 College View Drive, Bridgewater, VA.
Online condolences may be made to johnsonfs.com.
