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2011 SESSION


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 304
Celebrating the life of Douglas Reed Oldham.
 
Agreed to by the Senate, January 13, 2011
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 21, 2011
 

WHEREAS, the beloved gospel music singer, Douglas Reed Oldham of Lynchburg, passed away on July 21, 2010; and

WHEREAS, born on November 30, 1930, Douglas “Doug” Oldham enjoyed a long and rewarding life of sharing his faith through his music; and

WHEREAS, Doug Oldham also shared his life for 58 years with his beloved wife, Laura Lee, with whom he had three wonderful children, Paula, Karen, and Rebekah; and

WHEREAS, early in his career, Doug Oldham traveled frequently with songwriter and pianist Bill Gaither and was the first person to sing and record Gaither’s “He Touched Me,” a song later recorded by Elvis Presley; and

WHEREAS, Doug Oldham also traveled with evangelist Benny Hinn and the Billy Graham Crusades as well as the Reverend Jerry Falwell; and

WHEREAS, Doug Oldham’s powerful and authentic voice reached people across the nation and around the world; he performed before national and international dignitaries as well as in churches and school auditoriums; and

WHEREAS, Doug Oldham recorded more than 64 albums and received numerous awards and accolades during his prolific career, including two Dove awards from the Gospel Music Association and induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in Nashville; and

WHEREAS, Doug Oldham’s home church was Thomas Road Baptist Church, which awarded him the first-ever Lifetime Champion Award in 2007 for his years of service; and

WHEREAS, Doug Oldham also enjoyed a long relationship with Liberty University; he helped to raise funds in the school’s early days and in 2007 was honored when a recital hall was named for him and a music scholarship program was established in his name; and

WHEREAS, a humble man, Doug Oldham made many contributions to the development and spread of gospel music throughout his career and was honored to sing music that brought people to the Lord; and

WHEREAS, Doug Oldham will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Laura Lee; children, Paula, Karen, and Rebekah, and their families; and the legions of friends and fans; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly note with great sadness the loss of the beloved gospel recording artist, Douglas Reed Oldham; and, be it

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