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2014 SESSION

14105005D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 171
Offered February 28, 2014
Celebrating the life of Thaine Edward Billingsley, M.D.
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Patrons-- Deeds and Hanger; Delegate: Bell, Richard P.
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WHEREAS, Thaine Edward Billingsley, M.D., a deeply admired physician who served the people of Highland County for decades, died on February 7, 2014; and

WHEREAS, a native of Marysville, Kansas, Thaine Billingsley joined the United States Army Medical Corps after high school; during and after World War II, he served as a lab technician in New Guinea, Japan, and the Philippines; and

WHEREAS, after his honorable military service, Thaine Billingsley returned home and earned a bachelor’s degree from Baker University and a medical degree from the University of Kansas; and

WHEREAS, hoping to help a community in need of a physician, Dr. Billingsley consulted the Virginia Council on Health and Medical Care and moved to Highland County with the support of the Stonewall Ruritan Club in 1954; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Billingsley was the only physician in Highland County for much of his career and, as the quintessential country doctor, he traveled the county to help countless patients, delivering babies and treating a wide range of illnesses and injuries; remembered for his comforting bedside manner, he liked to whistle as he worked; and

WHEREAS, a humble and devoted servant to the community, Dr. Billingsley was a member of the Stonewall Ruritan Club, Monterey United Methodist Church, and the Highland County Chamber of Commerce; he played a pivotal role in helping the chamber develop the renowned Highland County Maple Festival; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his daughter Carol, Dr. Billingsley will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 65 years, Anita; children, Gary, Robert, Mary, Sarah, and Kirk, and their families; and numerous other family members, friends, and patients; 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 Thaine Edward Billingsley, M.D., a fine country doctor who touched countless lives throughout his career; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Thaine Edward Billingsley, M.D., as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.