Jay Lewis Cullop

Jay Lewis Cullop, 63, of Mount Airy, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Frederick Health Hospital. 

Born on March 18, 1963, in Olney, MD, he was the son of the late James W. Cullop, and the late Bertha Mae Faircloth Benford. 

Jay was a lifelong HVAC mechanic, dedicating more than 40 years to his father's company, J.W. Cullop Inc. of Mount Airy. He truly loved the outdoors and simple pleasures, especially fishing, camping, trips to the beach, watching Fox News and enjoying a good seafood meal. 

In addition to his father and mother, Jay was preceded in death by his stepfather, James A. Benford Sr., brother, Jerry L. Cullop, his sister, Joanna L. Cullop, stepbrother James A. Benford Jr., and stepsister, Debbie Freeman. He is survived by his four daughters: Brandy Hardy and her husband Chris of Jackson, GA; Nicole McIntosh and her husband Jerome of Mount Airy; Rebecca Duke of North Carolina; and Audrey Randall and her husband Dan of Bay City, MI. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren: Rebecca Carlyle and her husband Dakota of Griffin, GA; Donovan Toro, Ayden Toro, McKenzie Galindo, Denzel McIntosh, and Genesis McIntosh of Mount Airy; Jaxson Trahan and Madison Trahan of North Carolina; and Steveo Sprankle, Karma Burnsworth, Skyler Burnsworth, and Malachai Burnsworth of Bay City, MI.

Additionally, he leaves behind his stepmother Dottie M. Cullop, five siblings: Jeanie L. Cullop-Watkins and her husband Tom of Mount Airy; Kim S. Cullop and her fiancé Ricky of San Diego, CA; C. Scott Benford and his wife Della of Hagerstown; and Bernice M. Marion, her husband Dave of Eldersburg; Karen McConnell and her husband Gerry of Andrews, SC, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

The family will receive friends from 10:15 AM to 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Locust Grove Church of the Brethren, 13356 Glissans Mill Rd., Mount Airy, where a memorial service will begin at 11:00 AM.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.