Tristan Thomas Fluharty

Born on June 27, 2006, Tristan showed his strength from the very beginning. Born with a congenital heart defect, he endured four open-heart surgeries and still went on to live a life that was happy, adventurous, and full.

Tristan was always on the move, chasing the next adventure. If he wasn’t hiking through the Virginia mountains, he was out on the James, Piney, or Tye Rivers with his closest buddies. A passionate outdoorsman from the time he was old enough to hold a fishing pole, his favorite place in the world was in the woods, running his beloved hounds day or night. Tristan loved animals from the time he was little, always bringing home another pet—guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, and anything else that needed caring for. He leaves behind Baby Kitty, house hound Angus, and his hunting pack: LuLu, Pattie, Jango, and Oscar.

Though quiet and soft-spoken, Tristan had a mischievous streak and a sharp sense of humor. He was a young man of few words, but when he spoke, it was usually to tease somebody, tell a joke, spin a story that could pull in a whole room, or quietly offer the kind words someone needed most. His grin could light up any space. Tristan will be remembered as kind, polite, respectful, and one of the hardest-working young men anyone could know—qualities that made his parents proud every single day.

Tristan is survived by his parents, Scott and Charlotte Hudson Fluharty; his big brother, Andrew, who will forever carry a special place in his heart for his “Little Bother”; and his nana, Anne Hudson.

He is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins, including his special cousin, Colton Freeman, Matt and Laura Fluharty of South Carolina, Jeff and Tellie Fluharty of Colorado, and Mandee and Matt Jones of West Virginia, and aunts Gayle Meador, Susan Bryant, and Kristen Freeman. In addition to his family, Tristan leaves behind the people he chose as brothers: River Johnson, River McDowell, Jake Casey, and his mentor and buddy, Mike Hartless. He now rests alongside his grandparents, Pete Hudson and Dottie and Pete Pritchett.

Tristan taught everyone around him how to live fully, love deeply, and appreciate the simple things—river water, mountain air, good dogs, and loyal friends. He will be missed beyond words and loved for the rest of our days.

The family invites all of Tristan's friends and loved ones to visit any time Friday, May 22, 2026 at Whitten Monelison Chapel to pay their respects during an open visitation from 8:30am to 5:30 pm .

There will be a Celebration of Life and Faith service at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at Clifford Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Mike Fitzgerald and Pastor Jeffrey Campbell.