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2023 SESSION


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 355
Celebrating the life of Colonel Rayburn Gene Smith, USA, Ret.

 

Agreed to by the Senate, February 21, 2023
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 22, 2023

 

WHEREAS, Colonel Rayburn Gene Smith, USA, Ret., an honorable and distinguished veteran and an active and beloved member of the Hat Creek community, died on December 22, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Gene Smith graduated from William Campbell High School in Naruna and would go on to study over the years at Virginia Commonwealth University, Liberty University, the United States Army Command and General Staff College, and the United States Army War College; and

WHEREAS, Gene Smith served his country as a commissioned officer for more than 34 years, including during the Vietnam War as a Huey gunship pilot with C Troop, First Squadron, Ninth Cavalry, First Cavalry Division (Airmobile); and

WHEREAS, for his active service, Gene Smith was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal for Valor with 26 Oak Leaf Clusters, Presidential Unit Citation, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), Vietnam Service Medal (3rd award), Armed Forces Reserve Medal (2nd award), Army Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Master Army Aviator Badge; and

WHEREAS, after retiring from active service, Gene Smith became the senior instructor for several Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps units, as well as a history teacher and school administrator; and

WHEREAS, Gene Smith concluded his civilian career at Halifax County High School, where he contributed greatly to the academic, social, and emotional well-being of his students; and

WHEREAS, in his retirement, Gene Smith gave generously of his time and talents to support his most valued interests and causes, volunteering with several civic and historical organizations; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, Gene Smith enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Hat Creek Presbyterian Church for many years; and

WHEREAS, Gene Smith will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of 51 years, Anne Gray; his children, Susan and Victoria, 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 Colonel Rayburn Gene Smith, USA, Ret., a cherished member of the Hat Creek community whose dedication to the country and his community inspired all who knew him; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Colonel Rayburn Gene Smith, USA, Ret., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.