Brian Lee Ely

“Brian Lee Ely, 75, of Richmond, VA, passed away on November 11, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

 

Brian is survived by his wife, Mary Oakley Ely; his daughter, Lauren Ely Hines; his devoted friend, Ed Sasser; and his faithful four-legged companion, Pork Chop.

 

Born on September 19, 1950, Brian attended J.R. Tucker High School, where he developed a lifelong love of music and played the saxophone with the local band E.L. Cole and The Shades. Brian enjoyed spending time with family and regular trips to the beach.

 

Throughout his life, Brian was known for his hard work and entrepreneurial spirit. He spent many years in the Lawn and Garden Department at Sears before transitioning into real estate appraisal and later owning his own used car dealership, Valu Cars, LLC. After retiring, he continued to stay active, working part-time at the Sandston Laundry Land Laundromat.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, December 6th at 10:00 a.m. at Shalom Baptist Church, 8116 Walnut Grove Rd., Mechanicsville, VA 23111.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Brian’s name to either the American Cancer Society or the Esophageal Cancer Action Network.”