Jesse Frank Lignian Jr.

LIGNIAN, Jesse Frank Jr., 86, of Ashland, Virginia, passed away Saturday, November 30, 2013, at his home, with his family by his side. Jesse resided in the house that his grandfather built on the family farm. He was preceded in death by Lucy Gilman Lignian, his wife of 61 years; and his infant son, Stuart Lemuel Lignian. He is survived by four loving children, Nancy L. Volk and her husband, Stephan, Jessie L. Beard and her husband, Dennis, Sara L. Nuckols and her husband, David, and David F. Lignian and his wife, Lisa; seven grandchildren, Eric Epperly, Melissa Epperly Carlson, James Beard II, Mark Beard, Matthew Nuckols, Jason Nuckols and Joseph "JD" Lignian; and two great-grandsons, Trent Carlson and Ross Nuckols. In Jesse's early life, he was a target boy for the Horseshoe Skeet Club and became a lifetime member. He was an honorary member of the Ashland Fire Department. His church membership was with Independence Christian Church, where he once served as a deacon. He graduated from Henry Clay High School, and later attended Gettysburg College through the military. Jesse was a veteran who served as a corporal in the U.S. Air Force, Squadron M, stationed in Germany from 1944 to 1946. Jesse became a third-generation bricklayer, was a member of the Bricklayer's Union, local #1, and worked more than 20 years as foreman and estimator fro Southern Brick Contractors of Richmond. He later became owner and president of Old Dominion Masonry, Inc. from 1976 to 1997. Jesse was a skeet and sporting clay enthusiast, as well as a tool enthusiast with the Richmond Tool Collectors Association. Aside from having his family around him, Jesse's passions included farming, shooting, fishing, hunting and piloting. At the age of 55, he obtained his pilot's license and enjoyed many years flying his Cessna 172. Jesse was involved in many organizations. He was a member of the Independence Ruritan Club, the American Legion, the American Pool Players Association, the Virginia Aeronautical Historical Society, SASS, and was a lifetime member of the NRA. Jesse was a devoted father and was deeply loved by his family. He will be greatly missed by all. The family will receive friends Tuesday, December 3, at Nelsen Funeral Home, Reid Chapel, in Ashland from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Reid Chapel on Wednesday, December 4, at 2 p.m., followed by the burial at the Independence Christian Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.