Andrew "Andy" Joseph Pumphrey
Andrew Joseph Pumphrey, 48, of Madison, Virginia passed away on March 7, 2024 following a brief illness. He is survived by his loving wife Celene, his son Carl Nicholas (Nick), his mother Betty Zell Pumphrey, his sister Kimberly Pumphrey, his father Carl Pumphrey, and many devoted aunts, uncles, cousins, and especially his dear nieces Abigail (Trevor), Isabella, Avellina, Bridget, and Brandi; nephews Benjamin and Gianluca, and great-nephews Malcolm and Mason.
Andy earned his Bachelor's Degree from Liberty University, and also held many certifications as a Firefighter, Paramedic, and Police Officer. He began his career with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. He was deeply proud to have served alongside the world-class firefighters and medics of Fairfax County. Andy was one of many on-duty Fairfax firefighters who got the call on September 11, 2001. Like all Pentagon responders, he was quick to point out that the accolades rightly belonged to the FDNY responders to the World Trade Center. Andy left the fire department as a Lieutenant when he began his career in law enforcement, proudly wearing the badge for 17 years. At the time of his passing, he was a detective with the Gordonsville Police Department. Of his many work experiences and ranks, his absolute favorite was that of Investigator Pumphrey of the Gordonsville Police. He was a tireless advocate in seeking justice for those who could not speak for themselves.
Andy loved his Lord and Savior above all, and loved to share the good news of Jesus Christ. He was a longtime member of Mt. Carmel Church in Haywood, Virginia. Andy loved history, and he was extraordinarily well-read, focusing particularly on world history and, as a forever-proud American, U.S. history. He was known to all for his enthusiasm for Jiu-Jitsu, his firearms expertise, his bear hugs, his unmeasurable skill at assessing and approaching a covered-dish buffet with skill and precision, and his expertise as an instructor to countless paramedics and police officers. His exuberant friendliness, loyalty, strength of character, protectiveness, and devotion to his family were evident to all who knew him.
Services will be held at Preddy's Funeral Home in Madison, Virginia. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 15th from 6-8pm, and the funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 16th at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Andy's name to the Madison Strong Community Coalition; checks made out to Madison DSS, P. O. Box 176, Madison, Virginia 22727.
The family wishes to express their deep and profound gratitude to the ICU staff of Martha Jefferson Hospital for their exemplary care, and the local Police and Fire Department communities for their extraordinary support and love at this difficult time.
