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2011 SPECIAL SESSION I

11200195D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5029
Offered June 9, 2011
Celebrating the life of W. Raymond Colley.
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Patrons-- Puller, Barker, Blevins, Colgan, Deeds, Edwards, Hanger, Herring, Houck, Howell, Locke, Lucas, Marsden, Marsh, Martin, McDougle, McEachin, McWaters, Miller, J.C., Miller, Y.B., Northam, Obenshain, Petersen, Puckett, Quayle, Reynolds, Ruff, Saslaw, Smith, Stanley, Stosch, Stuart, Ticer, Vogel and Whipple; Delegate: Surovell
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Unanimous consent to introduce
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WHEREAS, W. Raymond Colley, the admired former Deputy Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1969 to 1995 who served as vice chair of the Virginia Democratic Party from 1980 to 2000, died on May 3, 2011; and

WHEREAS, born in Dickenson County, W. Raymond “Ray” Colley attended high school in Grundy before becoming the first member of his family to graduate from college after earning a degree from Berea College in Kentucky; and

WHEREAS, Ray Colley proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and afterwards continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves, eventually attaining the rank of captain; and

WHEREAS, Ray Colley developed an interest in the workings of government as a young man and began his illustrious career covering government and politics for the Roanoke Times; and

WHEREAS, as Administrative Assistant to Congressman W. Pat Jennings who represented Virginia’s “Fighting Ninth” district, Ray Colley gained invaluable experience in the legislative process and was proud of the development of legislation and programs to benefit his native area; and

WHEREAS, Ray Colley also ably served as a legislative liaison during the Johnson administration while an assistant to two Postmasters General before becoming Deputy Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives; and

WHEREAS, from 1969 to 1995, Ray Colley faithfully served the members of the U.S. House of Representatives, managing legislative, financial, contracting, and administrative operations in an efficient and professional manner that enabled the members to pursue their work on behalf of the nation in an orderly fashion; and

WHEREAS, Ray Colley took an active role in the Democratic Party on the local, state, and national levels, becoming known as the “Father of the Virginia Democratic Party Plan” for his guidance and leadership in rewriting the plan and serving as a valued advisor on delegate selection, procedural, and rules matters; and

WHEREAS, throughout his life, Ray Colley generously supported local community groups, including the Waynewood Elementary School and Fort Hunt High School parent teacher associations and the Waynewood Community Civic Association; and

WHEREAS, a man of great integrity who had a deep and profound love for his country, Ray Colley played a vital role in the efficient functioning of the government’s legislative branch and leaves behind a legacy of enviable public service; and

WHEREAS, a devoted family man, Ray Colley was supported in all his endeavors by his wife of over 60 years, Alice, and his sons, Mark and David and their families; he will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and admirers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of a singularly dedicated and accomplished Virginian, W. Raymond Colley; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of W. Raymond Colley as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.