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2011 SESSION
WHEREAS, the Honorable Willard Rhoades Finney, a respected attorney, former member of the House of Delegates, and retired Assistant District Court Judge for Franklin and Pittsylvania Counties, died on January 10, 2011; and
WHEREAS, a native of Franklin County, Willard Finney grew up on his family’s tobacco farm in Snow Creek, graduated from Augusta Military Academy, and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and a law degree from the University of Richmond T.C. Williams School of Law; and
WHEREAS, Willard Finney, along with all four of his brothers and countless other young men of his generation, answered his nation’s call to duty as the country became embroiled in World War II, serving as a United States Army military policeman during the occupation of Italy; and
WHEREAS, known for his strong work ethic and knowledge of the law, Willard Finney established his own law practice in the Town of Rocky Mount and was an Assistant District Court Judge for Franklin and Pittsylvania Counties, where he served his fellow citizens with great integrity and fairness; and
WHEREAS, respected by his colleagues, Willard Finney was a member of the Franklin County Bar Association and a 50-year member of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association; and
WHEREAS, Willard Finney followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, representing the 9th District in the General Assembly, where he worked diligently to serve his constituents and the residents of the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, a member of the Committees on Agriculture; Education; Finance; and Corporations, Insurance and Banking, Willard Finney was particularly proud of his efforts to protect the interests of farmers during his 10-year tenure in the House of Delegates; and
WHEREAS, a beloved and respected resident of Franklin County, Willard Finney served as president of the Franklin County Historical Society, chairman of the Franklin County Electoral Board, member of the United Virginia Bank board of directors, and chair of the Franklin County Democratic Committee; and
WHEREAS, known as a true gentleman, Willard Finney treated those around him with great respect, serving his neighbors and fellow veterans through his association with Rocky Mount Christian Church, local Ruritan and Rotary clubs, and the American Legion; and
WHEREAS, Willard Finney will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 52 years, Betty; children, Beth Ann Nochta, Rose Marie Sniffin, and Willard R. Finney, Jr., and their families; his colleagues on both sides of the aisle; and the citizens of Virginia; 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 one of its esteemed former members, the Honorable Willard Rhoades Finney; 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 the Honorable Willard Rhoades Finney as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.