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2008 SPECIAL SESSION II

089752326
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 6013
Offered June 23, 2008
Celebrating the life of Therl Edward Leonard.
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Patrons-- Smith, Edwards and Hurt
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WHEREAS, Therl Edward Leonard, a respected radio broadcaster known as “Cousin Zeke” who was a great contributor to the musical and spiritual life of the Commonwealth, died on May 19, 2008; and

WHEREAS, Cousin Zeke was born in Bristol, Virginia, on December 4, 1924, and he made his debut as a radio announcer in 1945 while serving his country in the United States Army in Burma; and

WHEREAS, Cousin Zeke began his American broadcasting career in 1947 at WCYB in Bristol; and

WHEREAS, a strong supporter of the community, Cousin Zeke began his tenure at WMEV in Marion in 1948 by hosting a fundraising drive for the Marion Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, Cousin Zeke was recognized for his great broadcasting talent in 1954 by being named the nation’s Country Music DJ of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Cousin Zeke began his four decades of broadcasting in the Roanoke Valley in 1964 at WHYE and WPXI before moving to WKBA, “The Ministry Station,” in 1968; and

WHEREAS, a friendly Virginia gentleman, Cousin Zeke had countless friends in the community and in country music, including “Little” Jimmy Dickens, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Buck Owens, Conway Twitty, the Stanley Brothers, and the Clinch Mountain Boys; and

WHEREAS, the City of Roanoke and the Town of Marion have both formally recognized Cousin Zeke for his six decades of entertaining and sharing the Gospel with his listeners; and

WHEREAS, a dedicated father and husband, Cousin Zeke will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his loving wife Drema and his son Zeke Leonard; his numerous relatives and friends; and his many fans in the Commonwealth and the nation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of an immensely talented and honorable son of Virginia, Therl Edward Leonard; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Therl Edward Leonard as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.