Sulva Cary Warner, Jr., affectionately known as “Tuffy", was born on July 9, 1960, to Reverend

and Mrs. Sulva Cary Warner, Sr. at Loudoun Memorial Hospital in Leesburg, Virginia. He was

given the nickname “Tuffy” by his grandmother, Lena, who often remarked that he was a

“tough” little baby.

Sulva began his spiritual journey at an early age when he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal

Savior. He was baptized by Reverend Isham Williams and he became a devoted member of

Second Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Brownsville, Virginia.

Tuffy was a lifelong resident of Purcellville, Virginia. While attending Loudoun Valley High

School, Tuffy began what would become an ever-present commitment to serving others. He

joined the Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad and dedicated more than 30 years of service

to the organization. Throughout his tenure, he received numerous awards and recognitions,

including “Most Calls Run” in 1983, with 494 calls, and again in 2001, with 246 calls. In 1985,

he was honored as “Outstanding Squad Member.”

Following his graduation from Loudoun Valley High School in 1979, Tuffy enrolled at Virginia

State University. Although he enjoyed his time as a Trojan, he felt a strong calling to public

service and returned home the following year. After successfully completing rigorous training,

he began his career as a professional firefighter with Fairfax County.

While attending Virginia State University, Tuffy was asked to serve as a DJ for an event in the

Student Union. What began as a single opportunity soon developed into a lifelong passion for

music and entertainment. His love for providing disc jockey services eventually led him into the

entertainment industry, where he worked primarily with the DAF Entertainment Group, LLC.

Later in life, Tuffy became a member of Chantilly Baptist Church under the leadership of

Reverend Dr. Jerry Bryant. During this time, he also served as a bass guitarist for the church and

shared his musical gifts with neighboring churches, choirs, and community groups throughout

the region. Tuffy would practice for hours, and his family quickly learned that “Fix It Jesus”

.

was his favorite piece to play.

Tuffy’s final church home was First Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Leesburg, Virginia, where

Reverend Harold Stinger serves as pastor. There, he faithfully continued his ministry through

music as a bass guitarist for the church choir.

An entrepreneur at heart, Tuffy established “Tuffy’s Mobile Small Engine Repair” and later

operated a lawn care business, serving many throughout the community.

Tuffy enjoyed many hobbies and interests. He was an avid model railroad train collector, a

student of World War II history, and a lover of a good breakfast—especially at Tammy’s Diner

in Round Hill. He was a devoted sports fan whose favorite teams included the Boston Celtics

and, above all, the Dallas Cowboys. In 1987, he even traveled to Texas Stadium to try out for the

Cowboys, embracing the experience and cherishing the time spent with his father, whoaccompanied him on the trip. Some of his favorite trips were to the Indianapolis 500 in 2022 and

the Rose Parade in Pasadena in 2023.

Brother Sulva transitioned peacefully to the heavenly realm at 2:17 p.m. on Saturday, June 13,

2026 at the Inova Loudoun Hospital- Landsdowne with his sister, brother and pastor by his side.

Brother Sulva was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Lena and Howard Thompson;

his paternal grandparents, Barron and Elizabeth Warner; his father, Reverend Sulva C. Warner,

Sr.; his brother, Jason Warner; and uncles, aunts and a number of cousins.

Brother Sulva leaves to cherish his memory his loving mother, Mattie Warner; his sister,

Sylvainia Warner Preston his brother Jonathan Warner; his brother-in-law, Reginald Preston, Sr.; his nephew and wife,

Reginald and Zaira Preston, Jr.; his niece, Veronica Preston; and his great- niece, Tatyana

Wright. He also leaves behind many wonderful cousins, friends and neighbors.

Tuffy loved everyone. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone.

His sincerity, kindness, and genuine concern for others made him truly special. While he will be

deeply missed on this side of eternity, we can honor his legacy by treating others with the same

love, respect, dignity, and compassion that he demonstrated throughout his life.

Flower arrangements may be sent to the Purcellville Baptist Church. Donations in Tuffy’s name

may be made to St. Jude at:

https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=9274097&fr_id=162728&pg=personal

Donations may also be made in Sulva “Tuffy” Warner’s name to:Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad #13, 143 Catoctin Circle S.E.,Leesburg, VA. 20175

Or Fairfax County Fire Department Reston 25, 1820 Wiehle Ave. Reston, VA 20190.Cards and gifts may be sent to: The Warners, 530 South 11th St. Purcellville, VA 20132To honor Tuffy’s love for the Dallas Cowboys, we ask that you wear one color or anycombination of the following colors: navy blue, white. royal blue, metallic silver or white.

(Optional)