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2012 SESSION


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 229
Celebrating the life of Henry Thomas Grindstaff.
 
Agreed to by the Senate, March 7, 2012
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 8, 2012
 

WHEREAS, Henry Thomas Grindstaff of Troutville, a decorated veteran of World War II, a former school administrator, and a successful insurance agent, passed away on February 21, 2012; and

WHEREAS, a native of Inman, Henry Thomas “H.T.” Grindstaff joined the United States Army Air Corps in World War II; he was a member of the 387th Bombardment Group of the 8th Air Force, and later was part of the 15th Air Force in Naples, Italy; and

WHEREAS, H.T. Grindstaff flew 26 combat missions without leave; in recognition of his bravery and service, he was awarded several medals, including the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters and the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal with two Bronze Stars and one Silver Star; and

WHEREAS, while he was on active duty, H.T. Grindstaff kept a personal diary of his missions; his gunner’s log now is on file at the Library of Virginia in Richmond and is a valuable resource for people who wish to learn more about the wartime service of Virginians; and

WHEREAS, after the war, H.T. Grindstaff earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Virginia Tech; he then taught school for two years before being appointed assistant superintendent of the Botetourt County Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, in 1960, H.T. Grindstaff changed careers and joined State Farm Insurance Company; he was an agent in Daleville and retired after 31 years of service; and

WHEREAS, H.T. Grindstaff was active in his community and was a man of strong faith; he served as chairman of the Botetourt County Republican Party for four years, and he was a supporter of Child Evangelism Fellowship and The Gideons International; and

WHEREAS, H.T. Grindstaff was predeceased by Mary, his wife of more than 60 years; he will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his children, Anita, Priscilla, and Sarah, and their families, and by many other family members, friends, and neighbors; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of an esteemed citizen and true patriot, Henry Thomas Grindstaff; and, be it

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