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2001 SPECIAL SESSION I

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018326684
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 49 Offered July 10, 2001 Commending Gordon C. Willis, Sr. ---------- Patrons-- Cranwell, Thomas and Woodrum; Senator: Edwards ---------- Unanimous consent to introduce ----------

WHEREAS, Gordon C. Willis was born in Roanoke in 1920 to Holman and Bess Willis. He is a graduate of Jefferson High School's Class of 1938 and the U. S. Naval Academy Class of 1943, and a veteran of service with the U. S. Navy during and after World War II; and

WHEREAS, Gordon Willis served on a battleship that supported Marine landings in the Pacific Islands; and participated in the preparation for a dreaded invasion of Japan. He served as an aviator and fighter pilot from 1945 to 1947 aboard the aircraft USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, flying F4U Corsairs.

WHEREAS, Gordon Willis left the Navy and returned to Roanoke at the urging of his father in 1947 and became a successful businessman and influential community leader; and

WHEREAS, Gordon Willis in 1958 joined with other business leaders to establish the Roanoke Valley Development Corp. which launched efforts to attract industry to Roanoke which reversed an economic downturn in the Roanoke Valley created after the closing of the Viscoe rayon plant and Norfolk and Western Railway conversion to diesel engines from steam; and

WHEREAS, Gordon Willis led a nearly successful effort to route Interstate 64 through Lynchburg and Roanoke; and

WHEREAS, Gordon Willis was one of those, who worked diligently for peaceful desegregation in Roanoke and for inclusion of those who might be not accepted because of their race or religious beliefs; and

WHEREAS, Gordon Willis's tenacious efforts as head of the committee examining transportation between Blacksburg and Roanoke has made the revolutionary link of the so-called "Smart Road" a reality; and

WHEREAS, Gordon Willis is, a person of great vision who has diligently pursued his values of personal responsibility, duty, honor and faith; and

WHEREAS, Gordon Willis's selfless dedication has enhanced the prosperity and growth of the Roanoke Valley; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, that the General Assembly commend and congratulate Gordon C. Willis, Sr.; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Gordon C. Willis, Sr., as an expression of the General Assembly's appreciation for his efforts on behalf of the citizens of the Roanoke Valley.

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