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2013 SESSION

13105136D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 935
Offered February 18, 2013
Celebrating the life of Ralph Benjamin Summerlin, Jr.
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Patrons-- Marshall, D.W. and Merricks; Senators: Ruff and Stanley
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WHEREAS, Ralph Benjamin Summerlin, Jr., a loyal public servant and steadfast champion of growth in Henry County and the City of Martinsville, died on August 15, 2012; and

WHEREAS, a native of Danville, Ralph “Benny” Summerlin earned a bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University and later received a master’s degree from Virginia Tech; and

WHEREAS, Benny Summerlin began a long career in public service by protecting the community as a member of the Martinsville-Henry County Rescue Squad; he was recognized as one of the best in the field of emergency medical services (EMS) and was renowned for his management of the organization; and

WHEREAS, Benny Summerlin held many titles and positions in his EMS career, including captain, president of the Virginia Volunteer Rescue Squad Association and the Western Virginia EMS Council, and vice chair of the Governor’s EMS Advisory Board; and

WHEREAS, a true leader among public servants in the Commonwealth, Benny Summerlin encouraged and inspired everyone he met to be professional and ethical in their service to the community; he later served as a member of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office and became the county’s first public safety director in 1985; and

WHEREAS, Benny Summerlin was appointed as the deputy county administrator on October 9, 1996, assuming the job on a full-time basis on November 1, 1996; he became an advocate for the responsible growth and enhancement of Henry County and the City of Martinsville; and

WHEREAS, through his visionary leadership, Benny Summerlin encouraged many projects that resulted in a variety of successes, including the opening of a sports complex, the development of new business properties, and the construction of paved trails and additional access points to Smith River; and

WHEREAS, in 2002 Benny Summerlin became the Henry County administrator and also the general manager of the Henry County Public Service Authority; he guided the community as a dedicated, meticulous leader who always strived to do the right thing; and

WHEREAS, an active volunteer and a leader in many civic organizations, Benny Summerlin displayed an unparalleled concern for the safety and well-being of his fellow residents; and

WHEREAS, in 2009 Benny Summerlin received the Fred Herring Award from the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber’s Partnership for Economic Growth, recognizing his selfless dedication to the growth and betterment of the community; and

WHEREAS, Benny Summerlin will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Robin, and many 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 Ralph Benjamin Summerlin, Jr., a consummate public servant and a pillar of the Henry County and City of Martinsville communities; 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 Ralph Benjamin Summerlin, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.