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2022 SESSION


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 146
Celebrating the life of Ernest Linwood Wright III.

 

Agreed to by the Senate, February 24, 2022
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 7, 2022

 

WHEREAS, Ernest Linwood Wright III, an accomplished research chemist and business executive, former mayor of Danville, and a major figure in the city’s economic development over many years, died on September 29, 2021; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from Duke University with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1956, Linwood Wright embarked upon an illustrious career at Dan River Mills, Inc., first working as a research chemist designing molecules to modify cotton fiber and later serving as an executive overseeing research and development, quality control, customer service, and regulatory compliance; and

WHEREAS, Linwood Wright’s efforts to produce fire-retardant and water-repellant finishes and other innovations would lead to multiple patents, as he contributed to the creation of fabrics used by clients such as the United States military and high-end apparel companies like Brooks Brothers; and

WHEREAS, dedicated to the well-being of his community, Linwood Wright served on the Danville City Council from 1986 to 1998, including a term as mayor in his final two years with the governing body; and

WHEREAS, Linwood Wright later redoubled his commitment to Danville by serving as a public and governmental affairs consultant with the city’s Office of Economic Development, supporting various initiatives designed to enhance the economic vitality of the region; and

WHEREAS, Linwood Wright’s extensive involvement in the growth and maturation of Danville included serving as the first chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research and as the founding chairman of the Future of the Piedmont Foundation; and

WHEREAS, Linwood Wright was also an active member of various trade and civic boards, including the Danville Area Association for the Arts and Humanities, the Danville Concert Association, and the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, Linwood Wright enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Mount Vernon United Methodist Church in Danville and taught at the Landis Sunday School for decades; and

WHEREAS, Linwood Wright will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of 65 years, Peggy; his children, Nelson and Phillip, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; 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 Ernest Linwood Wright III, cherished public servant of Danville, whose heartfelt commitment to his community affected countless lives; and, be it

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