Lee Sloppy

Lee Jackson Sloppy of Ashland, VA, died after a brave battle with cancer on Thursday, March 20, 2025. He was born on December 12,1943, to Harold M. and Dorothy J. Sloppy and was a long-time resident of Alexandria, VA. He was preceded in death just two weeks earlier by his brother, Gary G. Slopey of Pompano Beach, FL.

Lee was the loving husband of Amanda Rhodes Sloppy for 57 years, the devoted father of Carl L. Slopey and wife Dawn Church and cherished grandfather of Samantha and Elizabeth, who brought him much joy. He leaves behind his sister Kay S. Crouch and her husband Patrick, as well as two nieces, Erin C. Slopey and Catie M. Slopey, and his great-niece, Nora.

Lee was a veteran of the District of Columbia Army National Guard which often called him to active duty during the many volatile social demonstrations of the 1960s. Employed by Washington Gas Light Company for 30+ years, he became a supervisor in transportation.

Lee was active in Virginia Freemasonry for more than 49 years, including memberships in the Order of the Eastern Star, Shriners International, and Scottish Rite. He was Past Worshipful Master of Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 219 in which he remained a member. He served as District Deputy Grand Master of District 1B in 2004-05 and later became affiliated with Ashland Lodge No. 168. He was appointed associate Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, 2022-23.

Lee was Past Worthy Patron of both Mt. Vernon Chapter No.178, OES, and Hanover Chapter No.130. He served as Worthy Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of Virginia in 2016-17.

Lee was a member of Calvary Presbyterian Church in Alexandria for nearly 50 years, and more recently was a member of Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church in Ashland.

Lee lived a full and rich life that can barely be sketched in a few paragraphs. He was a teller of stories, many humorous, some with a lesson he’d learned, and many about cars. As a member of the Shriners Antique Car Club, Lee often participated in parades in his 1920s era Dodge Brothers touring car, including a memorable time when it caught fire. Despite his career in management, he still referred to himself as “just a mechanic.” He was a lover of hot rods and the culture that surrounded them, a passion he shared with his son. He attended many car shows and automotive flea markets, along with drag races and several trips to the Daytona 500. He had a series of antique cars and trucks, his “treasures,” and he proudly wore a T-shirt that said, “I may be old but at least I got to drive all the cool cars.”

Lee loved not only old cars but old houses. As he and Amanda lovingly restored their 1918 home in Ashland, they became respected members of their adopted community.

He enjoyed cooking, usually for crowds, and often for fundraising events. And, in the last few years, he enjoyed many spirited discussions over coffee at Ashland Meat Company / Cross Brothers with friends who he said expanded his outlook in many areas.

The family would like to offer thanks to Legacy Hospice and the staff at Hanover Manor Assisted Living and also to extend gratitude to Nikita Gilkey for her personal and loving care of Lee in his last weeks.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 27, from 2:00-4:00 PM and from 6:00-7:00 PM. Eastern Star and Masonic memorial services will follow at 7:00. Receiving will continue on Friday, March 28, from 10:00-11:00 AM and the funeral service will follow at 11:00. All will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home, 412 S. Washington Hwy., Ashland, VA 23005. Interment will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 29 at Mount Comfort Cemetery, 6600 S. Kings Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Masonic Home of Virginia and The Shriner’s Hospital for Children.