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2011 SESSION

11104280D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 721
Offered January 20, 2011
Celebrating the life of Melvin Wilson Brown.
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Patrons-- Merricks, Armstrong and Marshall, D.W.
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WHEREAS, Melvin Wilson Brown, who as former chair of the Henry County Board of Supervisors played a key role in the development of Henry County, died on December 7, 2010; and

WHEREAS, a native of Roanoke, Melvin Brown was born on August 21, 1914, to Beulah Slusher and Claude S. Brown, and was one of two brothers; and

WHEREAS, Melvin Brown graduated from Jefferson Senior High School and studied at the Kennett School of Finance, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Extension, and Patrick Henry Community College; and

WHEREAS, a hard-working and patriotic young man, Melvin Brown proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II and after his service, returned to Roanoke to work; and

WHEREAS, Melvin Brown enjoyed an exemplary 43-year career at American Electric Power, serving the company with great devotion as a valued and respected employee; he helped establish a business office in Fieldale before his retirement in 1979; and

WHEREAS, Melvin Brown married the love of his life, Juanita Lucas Brown, and together they enjoyed a wonderful marriage that included raising four sons, Daniel, Ronald, Jerry, and the late Geoffrey; and

WHEREAS, desirous to be of service to this community, Melvin Brown served as chair of the Henry County Board of Supervisors from 1971 to 1974; and

WHEREAS, lauded by others as a visionary leader, Melvin Brown saw the need for Henry County to make certain changes to position itself for further growth and development; and

WHEREAS, during Melvin Brown’s tenure, Henry County adopted its first subdivision ordinance; built the Henry County Administration Building, Sheriff’s Office and jail, and the social services department; and hired its first full-time county executive; and

WHEREAS, Melvin Brown generously gave of his time and talents in the community as a member of the Martinsville Rotary Club, Retail Merchants Association, and Christmas Cheer Board; and

WHEREAS, a man of great faith, Melvin Brown was an active member of Fieldale United Methodist Church, where he served as chair of the administrative board, organist, Sunday school teacher, and member of the United Methodist Men; and

WHEREAS, a talented musician, Melvin Brown played the piano for his church and local Rotary clubs and entertained listeners as a clarinet player with several bands; and

WHEREAS, Melvin Brown leaves behind a lasting legacy of service to his family, church, community, and country that others may emulate; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his wife, Juanita, and son, Geoffrey, Melvin Brown will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his surviving sons, Daniel, Ronald, and Jerry and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of an esteemed citizen of the Commonwealth, Melvin Wilson Brown; 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 Melvin Wilson Brown as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.