Mr. Jeffery “Bodean” Doughty, 66, husband of Connie Wessells Doughty, his beloved wife of 48 years, passed away Monday, Sept. 21, 2026.
Born to the late Burleigh Scott Doughty and Vonda Kilmon Doughty, Jeff was raised on the Eastern Shore with his two brothers, Ricky and Scott. He attended Onancock High School, where after graduation Bodean went on to take over the family business that his dad, Byrd, opened in 1972, Doughty’s Market. Jeff never met a stranger. He was kind to all; and all who met him loved him.
Jeff married the love of his life, Connie, on Aug. 19, 1978. They spent those years together building a beautiful life with their two boys, of whom he was so proud. He later welcomed their wives, Kelly and Anne Kyle, and eventually two grandchildren, Suri and Sawyer. He was a man who loved his family, loved his community, and most of all, loved and served the Lord.
Doughty’s Market was more than a business to Jeff. It was a place where he knew people by name, caught up on the latest news, shared a laugh over a famous “Doughty Dog,” and made lasting impacts that went far beyond a simple trip to the store. Over the years, countless people came through those doors and became part of the extended circle of family that Jeff treasured. He had a nickname for just about everybody — his family, his friends, and his customers. If Jeff gave you a nickname, you knew you had a place in his heart. Those names and the stories behind them will be remembered and repeated for years to come.
After closing the store, Jeff settled into retirement well. He and Connie spent six years being together and living life everyday doing whatever they wanted to do — clamming, putting together puzzles, growing vegetables, attending the grandkids' extracurricular activities, and working around their home and yard, to name a few. It was in retirement where he discovered a love of pickleball. He enjoyed the game, the competition, and if you knew Jeff, a little trash talking. What was most unexpected but truly cherished were the friendships he and Connie made through this community. He loved his pickle ballers.
Jeff will be remembered for his easy way with people, his sense of humor, and the kind heart that he wore on his sleeve.
In addition to his loving wife, Connie, and mother, Vonda Kilmon Doughty, Jeff is survived by his sons, Jeff Doughty and his wife, Kelly, and Jesse Doughty and his wife, Anne Kyle; his grandchildren, Suri Byrd Doughty and Sawyer Harrison Doughty; his brother, Scott Doughty and his wife, Joan; several nieces and nephews; and his sisters-in-law, Shirley Pruitt, Rebecca Wessells, JoAnn Lewis and her husband, Joe, Donna Parks and her husband, Uppie, and Tracy Fate and her husband, Sean.
He was preceded in death by his father, Burleigh “Byrd” Scott Doughty; his brother, Gerald Richard “Ricky” Doughty; his brother-in-law, Robbie Taylor (DOG); his niece, Tiffany Smith; and his nephews, Roy Shreaves and Rodney Annis.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 2 p.m., at Doughty Funeral Home, with the Rev. Robert Garris officiating. Private interment will follow at Belle Haven Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Uppie Parks, Scott Doughty, Joe Lewis, Scott Bono, Sean Fate, and Gordon Marsh. Family will join friends Friday, Sept. 25, from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Baptist Bible Church, 24577 Front St., Accomac, VA 23301.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements were made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore.
