Harry Edward Bly

Harry Edward Bly passed away peacefully at Chesapeake Hospice of Life Center on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. He was 88 years old. Mr. Bly was born on July 25, 1935, in Cross, West Virgina to the late Russell E. Bly and Gladys Juanita DeShong. He was the oldest of 2 sons, and was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald. He graduated from Barton High School in 1953, and moved to Ohio where he began painting and working in a local factory. In 1956 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at what was formerly called Andrews Air Force Base (Joint Base Andrews). After completing his service, including a tour in Korea, he was honorably discharged in 1960. That same year he met Nancy Carol Crouch, and they were married on December 28, 1960, in Chester, MD. They first made their home in Tiffin, Ohio, and later moved to Clinton, MD after Mr. Bly accepted a position with the National Weather Service (NOAA) as a computer specialist. They were residents of Clinton for nearly 30 years and fondly remembered the time spent with the Bells United Methodist Church community. He served on the property committee of Bells UMC for many years and was the past president of the Wildwood Neighborhood Civic Association. In 1988 Harry moved his family to Chester, Maryland. He became a member of the Kent Island United Methodist Church and regularly sang with the choir. He retired from NOAA in 1998 and began a part-time position with the Queen Anne’s County Board of Education as a computer technician. Many Friday evenings were spent playing slow pitch softball for the parks and rec over 40 league or working on projects in the garage that he built. He was also an active member of the Museum of Eastern Shore Life and the Kent Island Heritage Society. He was well liked by all of his friends, teammates and coworkers. Harry’s greatest joy was the time spent with his family. Harry was a devoted husband and was inseparable from Nancy’s side. They frequently enjoyed traveling to Western Maryland, Ocean City or even to the grocery store. The time spent together is what he treasured the most. He loved coaching his children's sports teams, volunteering at band events, and taking them camping. He was always eager to spend time with them and show his support. Harry loved being a grandfather to his six grandchildren and spent many afternoons watching them play sports, attending their music concerts, fishing or sailing kites with them. Mr. Bly is survived by his loving wife of nearly 63 years, Nancy Bly. He is also survived by his daughter Bonnie Bly Elliott of Delmar, DE, his son Russell (Cary) of Edgewater, MD, and his six grandchildren Paul Elliott, Carol Greene (Stephen), David Elliott, Joshua Elliott, Branham Bly and Elizabeth Bly. Two great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends will also miss his presence. A funeral service will be held 11AM on Wednesday October 4, 2023, at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home 106 Shamrock Road Chester, MD. A visitation will be held 1 hour before from 10AM to 11AM. Burial will immediately follow in Stevensville Cemetery in Stevensville, MD. In lieu of flowers, friends and family can make a memorial donation to the Museum of Eastern Shore Life. 106 Dulin Clark Road, Centreville, MD 21617.

Harry Edward Bly

July 25, 1935 - September 27, 2023