2025 SESSION

ENROLLED

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 374

Celebrating the life of Joseph Lee Dean McClellan.

Agreed to by the Senate, February 19, 2025

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 20, 2025

WHEREAS, Joseph Lee Dean McClellan, a devoted husband, beloved family man, entrepreneur, and steadfast pillar of the Nelson County community, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Joseph “Joe” Lee spent his early childhood in Arlington, where he developed a love for adventure; during World War II, he lived with his grandparents in southern Georgia, where, even at an early age, his bold personality shone through; and

WHEREAS, when his father purchased the Nelson Movie Theater, Joe Lee quickly became a part of the Lovingston community, where he joined the Boy Scouts and enjoyed camping at Lake Monocan; he graduated from Nelson County High School and attended the University of Virginia, where he was a photographer for the Cavalier Daily; and

WHEREAS, Joe Lee was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War, where he served as a medic and a military police officer; while stationed abroad, he also operated newsreels and movies for the troops; and

WHEREAS, after his military service, Joe Lee became a successful businessman and innovator, operating a truck stop, restaurants, grocery stores, a fuel oil distributorship, and residential and commercial properties; and

WHEREAS, as the owner of Nelson Cable, Joe Lee revolutionized telecommunications in rural Virginia, earning recognition as an industry leader by bringing cable television, high-speed broadband, and phone services to the Nelson County region; and

WHEREAS, Joe Lee's commitment to the community went beyond business; he helped establish the Blue Ridge Medical Center and the Nelson Center and served as a member of Calvary Baptist Church, the Nelson County Chamber of Commerce, the Odd Fellows Lodge, the Nelson County Jaycees, the Rotary Club, and the American Legion; and

WHEREAS, Joe Lee is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jane Johnston McClellan, the love of his life for more than 60 years, and his brother, Iwin Arthur McClellan; he is survived by his two daughters, Elizabeth Denise McClellan Carter and Sarah Lee McClellan Holman, and his beloved granddaughters and other loved ones; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Joseph Lee Dean McClellan, who lived a remarkable life of love, innovation, and dedication to his family and community; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Joseph Lee Dean McClellan as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.