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2014 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 282
Celebrating the life of Floyd Withers Merryman, Jr.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 14, 2014
Agreed to by the Senate, February 20, 2014

 

WHEREAS, Floyd Withers Merryman, Jr., an admired local business owner and respected citizen of Rustburg, died on December 7, 2013; and

WHEREAS, a lifelong resident of Rustburg, Floyd Withers “Sonny” Merryman, Jr., dedicated himself to the betterment of the village he called home; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from Rustburg High School in 1942, Sonny Merryman enrolled at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and joined the Corps of Cadets; and

WHEREAS, Sonny Merryman began his entrepreneurial career at an early age and established numerous successful business ventures; he eventually earned a reputation as a skilled and determined sales professional and extraordinary deal maker; and

WHEREAS, in 1967, Sonny Merryman and his wife, Frances, founded Sonny Merryman, Inc., a small trailer equipment and bus dealership; after 47 years, the company is now regarded as one of the most prominent bus dealerships in the country; and

WHEREAS, in addition to being a successful businessman, Sonny Merryman was a passionate champion of public education and youth development programs; he spent much of his life and personal resources supporting many worthwhile causes and benevolent organizations, including local fire departments, emergency service providers, the Salvation Army, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, 4-H Clubs, Rustburg United Methodist Church, and scholarship awards for students from all across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Sonny Merryman became one of his beloved alma mater’s most loyal supporters and generous benefactors by contributing to both academic and athletic programs, capital projects, and serving as a volunteer leader and enthusiastic fundraiser; and

WHEREAS, in 2006, Sonny Merryman was bestowed Virginia Tech’s highest individual honor when he was presented with the William H. Ruffner Medal for his lifetime of service to the university; and

WHEREAS, Sonny Merryman will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his devoted wife of 60 years, Frances; his children, Patricia and Floyd; grandson, Lee; and many other family members, friends, associates, and coworkers; 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 a well-respected and infinitely generous member of the Rustburg community, Floyd Withers Merryman, 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 Floyd Withers Merryman, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.