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2011 SESSION

11105454D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 980
Offered February 22, 2011
Celebrating the life of Lewis Wardlaw Parker, Jr.
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Patrons-- Wright, Abbitt, Armstrong, Barlow, Cox, M.K., Howell, W.J., Ingram, Joannou, Johnson, Morgan, Orrock, Phillips, Plum, Purkey, Putney, Scott, J.M. and Tata
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Unanimous consent to introduce
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WHEREAS, Lewis Wardlaw Parker, Jr., a retired business owner and former member of the House of Delegates, died on January 29, 2011; and

WHEREAS, a native of South Carolina, Lewis Parker grew up in Mecklenburg County, attended Mecklenburg County public schools and Episcopal High School, and graduated from the University of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, upon returning to Southside Virginia, Lewis Parker joined the family business, Parker Oil Co., Inc., eventually becoming president of the company and developing it into one of the region’s largest oil distribution companies; and

WHEREAS, Lewis Parker also served as president of First Energy Company, Ltd., and as president of the Virginia Petroleum Jobbers Association (now known as the Virginia Petroleum, Convenience and Grocery Association) and Virginia Oilmen’s Association; and

WHEREAS, a passionate advocate for Southside Virginia, Lewis Parker represented the 61st District in the General Assembly, comprised of all or parts of Amelia, Brunswick, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, and Prince Edward Counties, with great distinction from 1972 to 1993; and

WHEREAS, a powerful figure, Lewis Parker served as an influential member of the Privileges and Elections, Finance, and Rules Committees and as chairman of the Corporations, Insurance and Banking Committee during his tenure; and

WHEREAS, a man of great vision, Lewis Parker worked to bring jobs and improvements to Southside Virginia, including the U.S. Route 58 Bypass, which continues to bring economic benefits to the area; and

WHEREAS, a beloved figure in Southside Virginia, Lewis Parker served as the 2010 South Hill Chamber of Commerce-Peebles Department Stores Annual Christmas Parade Grand Marshal and supported local endeavors throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, Lewis Parker generously gave of his time and talents to serve his fellow residents as a member of the South Hill Masonic Lodge No. 297, Lions, and Acca Shrine Temple; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by daughter Carolyn, Lewis Parker will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Carol; daughters, Sharon, Patricia, Sylvia, and Lucia and their families; stepson, Jason, and his family; Ed, who lived with the family and is considered a son, and his family; his colleagues on both sides of the aisle; and the citizens of the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with sadness the passing of one of its admired former members, Lewis Wardlaw Parker, Jr.; 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 Lewis Wardlaw Parker, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.