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2008 SESSION

084206484
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 309
Offered January 30, 2008
Celebrating the life of Erling Bailey, Sr.
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Patron-- Dance and Ingram
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WHEREAS, Erling Bailey, Sr., was born on October 1, 1935, in Wakefield and, surrounded by loving family, departed his earthly tabernacle for his heavenly home on January 6, 2008; and

WHEREAS, Erling Bailey, Sr., was educated in the public schools of Sussex County, attending Wakefield Elementary School and Sussex County Training School, and after graduation from high school, he joined the United States Army, serving his country with pride and distinction for three years until his honorable discharge in 1957; and

WHEREAS, after his tour of duty, Erling Bailey, Sr., attended Virginia State College School of Industries (now Virginia State University) where he was trained as an electrician and served as an apprentice to C. A. Jones, an electrical contractor in the Petersburg area; and

WHEREAS, after mastering the skills of an electrician, Erling Bailey, Sr., was employed for 27 years as an electrical technician by Brown and Williamson Tobacco Corporation; and

WHEREAS, while employed with Brown and Williamson Tobacco Corporation, Erling Bailey, Sr., started his own electrical business, Erling Bailey Electrical Contractor Inc. in 1968 and over the years, he trained many young men, of whom two became master electricians and started their own businesses; and

WHEREAS, Erling Bailey, Sr., a man of genuine faith, was transformed into the newness of life at a young age, was baptized at Mars Hill AME Zion Church in Wakefield, and in 1966 he joined First Baptist Church in Petersburg, where he served as a trustee, a teller for 18 years, a member of the Finance Committee for nine years, an usher for 34 years, and a member of the James H. Threatt Memorial Club for 13 years; and

WHEREAS, because Erling Bailey, Sr.’s, faith informed his life and service, he developed Bailey’s Mobile Home Park to help the families of his birthplace, and in recognition of his generosity, compassion, and service, a street in Wakefield has been named in his honor; and

WHEREAS, Erling Bailey, Sr., continued his tireless service to the community as a member of the Advisory Board for the Rowanty Vocational Technical Center of Prince George, a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, a former member of the Electrical Examining Boards in Petersburg and Prince George, a former member of the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, and an affiliate of NARVA, the East German importer of automotive lighting and electrical products for Brown & Watson International Pty Ltd in Australia; and

WHEREAS, Erling Bailey, Sr., was an ardent camper and outdoorsman, and actively participated in many camping clubs, including the U.S. Club, the Friendly RVs, and his favorite, the Virginia Camping Cardinals; and

WHEREAS, Erling Bailey, Sr., leaves a legacy of service to the people of Petersburg and Prince George County—a legacy that endures in the generations of devoted family, fellow citizens and campers, church members, and master electricians whose lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, Erling Bailey, Sr., will be greatly missed by his loving family, colleagues, and many friends in the Petersburg and Prince George communities; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly note with sadness the passing of an honorable, respected, and accomplished Virginian, Erling Bailey, Sr., a true inspiration to his community; 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 Erling Bailey, Sr., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his numerous accomplishments and contributions to his community and the Commonwealth.