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2014 SPECIAL SESSION I


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5219
Celebrating the life of Charles A. Womack, Jr.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, September 18, 2014
Agreed to by the Senate, September 18, 2014

 

WHEREAS, Charles A. Womack, Jr., of Danville, a respected entrepreneur and philanthropist who supported several communities as the owner of 15 local newspapers, died on August 4, 2014; and

WHEREAS, a lifelong resident of the City of Danville, Charles A. “Zan” Womack, Jr., graduated from George Washington High School, where he was the co-captain of a championship golf team, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; and

WHEREAS, after beginning his professional career with his father’s established publishing business, Womack Publishing Company, Zan Womack purchased the company in 1975; under his tenure, the company achieved great success and acquired or founded newspapers in the Commonwealth, North Carolina, and Colorado; and

WHEREAS, Zan Womack was an honest businessman and a wise leader who trusted and inspired his editors to make the right decisions; he believed that a good local newspaper could be the foundation of a successful community and left a legacy of excellence to newspaper editors and publishers throughout the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, admired among his peers, Zan Womack was a treasured mentor to countless young journalists, editors, and businessmen; he was a member of the World Presidents’ Organization, the Chief Executive Officers’ Club, and the National Press Club and on the board of the Virginia Press Association; and

WHEREAS, beginning in 2005, Zan Womack created new opportunities for the youth of the community by supporting parks and community centers, swimming lessons, summer camps, and scholarships as the vice chair of the Womack Foundation, a philanthropic organization founded by his parents; and

WHEREAS, well known throughout the community, Zan Womack was a former member of the Danville German Club and Young Men’s Club and a member of the Danville Golf Club; he also worked to enhance the quality of life of his fellow residents as a former member of the Danville City Council; and

WHEREAS, Zan Womack will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 50 years, Bobbye Raye; sons, Charles III and Patrick, 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 Charles A. Womack, Jr., a respected entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader in the City of Danville; 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 Charles A. Womack, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.