SEARCH SITE

VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL

SEARCHABLE DATABASES

ACROSS SESSIONS

Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.

2023 SESSION


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 333
Celebrating the life of Temple Lyman Kessinger, Jr.

 

Agreed to by the Senate, February 16, 2023
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 20, 2023

 

WHEREAS, Temple Lyman Kessinger, Jr., a longtime teacher, school administrator, coach, and dedicated public servant in Covington, died on January 6, 2023; and

WHEREAS, a native of Alleghany County, Temple Kessinger graduated from what is now Ferrum College where he helped lead the football team to a national championship in 1965 and was later inducted into the Ferrum College Athletic Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Temple Kessinger also earned a degree from and played football at Tennessee Tech University; and

WHEREAS, during his distinguished professional career, Temple Kessinger inspired young people as a teacher, administrator, and coach at Covington High School, Lord Botetourt High School, Bath County High School, James River High School, and Galax High School, among others; and

WHEREAS, desirous to be of further service to the community, Temple Kessinger ran for and was elected to the Covington City Council and served from 1998 to 2004, including service as mayor; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure as a public servant, Temple Kessinger was a driving force behind the establishment of Olde Town Covington; he oversaw the creation of the Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation, and he represented Covington as chair of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission; and

WHEREAS, Temple Kessinger enjoyed fellowship and worship with the community as an active member of Good News Church on Main, where he served as a greeter and lay speaker, was a member of the prayer group and recovery program, and mentored young men as leader of the Men’s Ministry; and

WHEREAS, a man of deep and abiding faith, Temple Kessinger also volunteered his leadership to the Promise Keepers, Gideons International, and the Salvation Army Advisory Board; and

WHEREAS, Temple Kessinger will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Karen; his children, Temple III and Katie, 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 Temple Lyman Kessinger, Jr., a respected member of the Covington community; and, be it

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