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2000 SESSION

006543640
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 415
Offered February 10, 2000
On the death of Harry Campbell Paxson, Jr.
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Patrons-- Blevins; Senator: Forbes
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WHEREAS, Harry Campbell Paxson, Jr., of Chesapeake, a retired teacher, high school coach, and public school administrator, died on September 5, 1999; and

WHEREAS, a native of Waverly, Harry Paxson grew up in what was then Norfolk County, attended Norfolk Highlands Elementary School and South Norfolk High School, and earned his undergraduate degree from the College of William and Mary; and

WHEREAS, while coaching baseball, football, and basketball at South Norfolk High School, Harry Paxson earned his master’s degree from the University of Virginia in 1940; and

WHEREAS, a successful coach for 20 years, Harry Paxson led both his baseball and basketball teams from South Norfolk High School to state championships in 1935; and

WHEREAS, in 1951, Harry Paxson joined the Norfolk County public school system, where he served as director of recreation programs, director of physical education, supervisor of driver’s education, and assistant superintendent for personnel; and

WHEREAS, Harry Paxson was assistant superintendent for personnel for the Chesapeake City schools until his retirement in 1972; and

WHEREAS, a 65-year member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Chesapeake, Harry Paxson served on the administrative board and was a trustee for many years; and

WHEREAS, widely known and respected in state recreation and education circles, Harry Paxson was a member of the Virginia and Chesapeake Education Associations and the Virginia Association of School Superintendents; and

WHEREAS, Harry Paxson devoted considerable time and energy to his community, volunteering for leadership positions in the Norfolk Community Chest, the Chesapeake Rotary Club, the Great Bridge Ruritans, the American Red Cross, and many other organizations; and

WHEREAS, known among Chesapeake citizens as “Mr. Education” and the “Miracle Man,” Harry Paxson was honored as the City of Chesapeake’s First Citizen in 1994 by the Great Bridge Jaycees; and

WHEREAS, throughout a long and exceptionally productive life, Harry Paxson served the people of Chesapeake and the Commonwealth with great skill, humor, dedication, effectiveness, and affection; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly note with sadness the passing of a uniquely valuable citizen of Chesapeake, Harry Campbell Paxson, Jr.; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Harry Campbell Paxson, Jr., as an expression of the high regard in which his memory is held by the members of the General Assembly.