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2007 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 596
Celebrating the life of Dr. Charles H. Townes.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 12, 2007
Agreed to by the Senate, January 18, 2007

 

WHEREAS, Dr. Charles H. Townes of Petersburg, a respected citizen and dedicated physician, died on November 3, 2006; and

WHEREAS, Charles Townes was educated in the Petersburg Public Schools, completing Peabody High School, Class of 1931, received a bachelor's degree from what is now Virginia State University, earned a master's and doctoral degree from Pennsylvania State University, and graduated from medical school at Howard University School of Medicine; and

WHEREAS, in 1952 Dr. Townes was one of the first African-American doctors to be awarded staff privileges at Petersburg General Hospital, which is now Southside Regional Medical Center; and

WHEREAS, an excellent doctor and exemplary administrator, Dr. Townes was appointed as chief of staff of Petersburg General Hospital in 1973, the first African American to be selected to the prestigious position; and

WHEREAS, a compassionate man who was committed to quality health care for all of the citizens of Petersburg, Dr. Townes gave his time and many talents to numerous civic and professional organizations; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Townes served as the former president of the Old Dominion Medical Society and was a life member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the Guardman, the Baule, and the Beauty-Twenty Social Club; and

WHEREAS, always concerned about the welfare of his neighbors, Dr. Townes was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church on Harrison Street and was active in the church's many missions in the community; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Townes will be fondly remembered for his commitment to the City of Petersburg and greatly missed by his devoted friend, Mattie Gales; his beloved sister, Grayce Townes, and brother, William D. Townes; and his numerous other loving family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of a fine physician and outstanding Virginian, Dr. Charles H. Townes; 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 Dr. Charles H. Townes as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.