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2014 SPECIAL SESSION I

14200111D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5040
Offered April 8, 2014
Celebrating the life of James Rudolph Burgess.
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Patrons-- Fariss and Byron; Senators: Newman and Ruff
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WHEREAS, James Rudolph Burgess, a 40-year public servant and the deeply admired former Mayor of the Town of Altavista, died on March 17, 2014; and

WHEREAS, a lifelong resident of the Town of Altavista, James Rudolph “Rudy” Burgess began his professional career as a truck driver for Paul Farmer Oil Co., where he worked for 43 years; known as a selfless and caring servant to the community, he delivered heating oil to families in need, day or night; and

WHEREAS, desirous to be of further service to the town, Rudy Burgess ran for and was elected to the Altavista Town Council; he served in that capacity for 16 years until he was elected mayor in 1988; and

WHEREAS, Rudy Burgess oversaw many enhancements to the Town of Altavista throughout his 24-year tenure as mayor and served the community with dedication and distinction until his retirement from public office in 2012; and

WHEREAS, working to safeguard the lives and property of the residents of Altavista, Rudy Burgess bravely served on the Altavista Fire Company for 25 years; and

WHEREAS, Rudy Burgess treated everyone he met with courtesy and respect and strove to ensure that all of Altavista’s residents had a good place to live and a safe place to raise a family; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his countless contributions to the town, Rudy Burgess was named Altavista’s Outstanding Citizen in 1978; and

WHEREAS, a man of deep and abiding faith, Rudy Burgess enjoyed fellowship and worship as an active member of Lane Memorial United Methodist Church, where he fulfilled several offices; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his daughter, Beth, Rudy Burgess will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 63 years, Lucy; children, Marshall, Bubba, Jane, and Lucy, and their families; and numerous other family members, friends, and colleagues; 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 James Rudolph Burgess, former Mayor of the Town of Altavista; 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 James Rudolph Burgess as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.