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2011 SESSION


HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 57
Celebrating the life of Homer R. Pond.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 21, 2011

 

WHEREAS, Homer R. Pond, a six-time Virginia Peanut Production Champion and native of Southampton County, died on December 12, 2010; and

WHEREAS, known as “Jack” to his friends and family, Homer Pond and his twin brother, Harold, were born in Southampton County to the late Lonnie and Ella Pond; he was a beloved brother to Josephine and the late Hudson, Judson, and Elizabeth; and

WHEREAS, married to his wonderful wife, Barbara Jean, for 52 years, Homer Pond dedicated his life to growing bountiful crops and cultivating strong family ties; and

WHEREAS, the first farmer in the region to build irrigation ponds and develop an irrigation system, invest in large farming equipment, and experiment with no-till farming, Homer Pond modernized peanut farming in the area and enjoyed record crop yields; and

WHEREAS, adopting progressive agricultural practices and investing in modern machinery, Homer Pond promoted efficiency on his peanut farm; and

WHEREAS, with a consistent crop yield of between 4,500 and 5,500 pounds of peanuts per acre, Homer Pond was recognized as the leader of per acre peanut production in the Commonwealth for six separate seasons; and

WHEREAS, committed to scientific advances and sharing his success with others, Homer Pond worked frequently with agricultural scientists and researchers from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University to develop sustainable farming practices and raise crop yields throughout the peanut industry; and

WHEREAS, although he lacked the opportunity to pursue formal education himself, Homer Pond was a lifelong learner and sponsored the college education of his four beloved grandchildren, Willie, Ella, Austin, and Tristan; and

WHEREAS, Homer Pond served as an educator and tour guide to students and school groups who visited the Southampton Heritage Village and Agriculture/Forestry Museum; and

WHEREAS, an active member of Wakefield Methodist Church, Homer Pond played an instrumental role in the church’s expansion and assisted with custodial duties on the property; and

WHEREAS, known and loved for delivering his personal best in all endeavors, Homer Pond was honored as Ruritan of the Year for his many contributions to his community; and

WHEREAS, respected for his unapologetic honesty and celebrated as a championship marksman, Homer Pond earned a reputation as a sharpshooter in every sense of the word; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his son, William; Homer Pond will be fondly remembered by his wife, Barbara Jean; his daughter, Betty; and the many family members, friends, and neighbors who knew him; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Homer R. Pond, six-time Virginia Peanut Production Champion; 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 Homer R. Pond as an expression of the House of Delegates’ respect for his memory.