Robert “Lee” Hopkins III, 55, of Ashland died peacefully on Sunday, June 2, 2024, with his sister by his side.

The son of Robert Lee Hopkins Jr. and Louise Gilliam Hopkins, he is survived by his sister Louise Fontaine Hopkins and her husband Steve Crain.

Lee was the grandson of Washington and Lee University Dean Frank J. Gilliam and his wife Louise. Family was very important to Lee and some of his happiest memories were of time spent at Belfield in Lexington.

Lee loved his community in Ashland. He was blessed with a wonderful group of life-long friends who he loved and enjoyed spending time with until his last days. Lee had a love for children that kept him young at heart and he was like an uncle to many of his friends’ children. Lee had impeccable manners, always looked for the good in people and had a strong belief in always being kind.

Lee had a wide range of interests including animals, the outdoors, hiking and cars. His love of cars led to him working at many of the top dealerships in the Richmond area, which he enjoyed a great deal. Most of that enjoyment came from the people he worked with, and many of them became very good friends.

Lee also had a great love for music, which started at a young age when he and Louise sang in the St. Cecilia Children’s Choir at St. James the Less Church. His love and passion for music continued to grow throughout his lifetime.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of Virginia and the incredible Neuro Med staff at Chippenham Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James the Less Episcopal Church, the Neurofibromatosis Network or a charity of your choice. 

A memorial service will be held at St. James the Less Episcopal Church at 125 Beverly Road, Ashland, on Saturday, June 15, at 11 a.m. A graveside service will be held in Lexington at a later date.

Online condolences and fond memories of Lee may be offered to the family on the Nelsen Funeral Home-Reid Chapel website.