WHEREAS, Emerson Latham Gravatt, an esteemed public servant, longtime employee of Rappahannock General Hospital, and active and beloved member of the Kilmarnock community, died on March 19, 2023; and
WHEREAS, Emerson Gravatt grew up in Kilmarnock and attended Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham before graduating from what is today Campbell University; and
WHEREAS, after returning to Kilmarnock, Emerson Gravatt taught mathematics and science at schools in Lancaster and Northumberland Counties, contributing greatly to the success of his students, and worked for some time as a gas station attendant and oil delivery man before ultimately joining the staff at Rappahannock General Hospital; and
WHEREAS, over a distinguished 37-year career at Rappahannock General Hospital, Emerson Gravatt held many different positions and played a vital role in the hospital's efforts to meet the health care needs of the community, retiring as senior vice president of human resources and physician recruitment; and
WHEREAS, as a member of the Kilmarnock Town Council over several terms, Emerson Gravatt proudly represented his constituents and worked tirelessly for the benefit of Kilmarnock and its residents; and
WHEREAS, Emerson Gravatt gave generously of his time to various civic organizations over the years, including the Kilmarnock Volunteer Fire Department, Kilmarnock-Irvington-White Stone Rotary Club, Kilmarnock Lions Club, and Lancaster High School Parent Teacher Association; and
WHEREAS, Emerson Gravatt was an avid sportsman who held a state cross country record as a teenager and later won medals and championships in skiing, tennis, and golf; and
WHEREAS, Emerson Gravatt was the consummate family man who was happiest when he was spending time with his wife and children and sharing with them the natural wonders of the Northern Neck; and
WHEREAS, Emerson Gravatt will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of 54 years, Joan; his children, Amanda and Emerson, Jr., and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Emerson Latham Gravatt, a cherished member of the Kilmarnock community whose kindness and dedication touched countless lives; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Emerson Latham Gravatt as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.