Chris Stiltner

Douglas Christopher Stiltner, age 72, passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2025, in Bristol, TN.

Born December 23, 1952, Chris was the son of the late Beulah Childress Stiltner and Lum Stiltner. He was raised in Grundy, VA alongside his nine siblings and was preceded in death by Buster Stiltner, Arlene Wheeler, Jack Snyder, Jerry Stiltner, Larry Stiltner, Jim Stiltner, and Becky Baldwin. He is survived by his siblings Judy Schubert, John Stiltner, Diann Hagy Blankenship, Margaret Brown, and Mary Kay Pierce.

A long-time resident of Lebanon, VA, Chris is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Sharon Stiltner.

He was a proud and devoted father to two children: Suzanne Stiltner Bryant and her husband Adam Bryant of Oak Ridge, NC, and Nick Stiltner and his wife Hanna Stiltner of Helena, AL.

Chris found immense joy in being a grandfather. He never missed a chance to share stories about his three grandsons, Cameron Stiltner, Landon Fleisher, and Jax Bryant, and was deeply proud of the young men they’ve become. His granddaughter, Jolie Stiltner, was the light of his life in his later years.

Chris spent more than thirty years with GTE/Verizon, serving as Area Supervisor for Buchanan and Tazewell counties. In his younger years, he enjoyed running, fishing, hunting, golf and coaching little league sports. He was a lifelong member of the Sandy Valley Masonic Lodge.

Known for his toughness, work ethic, and fierce love for his family, Chris did things his way and on his terms. He poured his heart into everything he did. He will be remembered as the neighbor who played ball as hard as the kids and for his willingness to pitch in to cut down a tree or build a deck. Throughout his life, Chris was eager to help family, neighbors or strangers however he could.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you honor Chris’s memory by helping someone in need, just as he always did.

At this time, no formal service is planned.

Expressions of sympathy may be made on the Combs-Hess Funeral Service Facebook page and our website at www.chfunerals.com. Combs-Hess Funeral & Cremation Service, 291 Hwy 71 Fincastle Road, Lebanon, VA 24266, (276) 889-4444.