Bill Text: VA HJR209 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Gilbert Lofton Granger.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-03-06 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ209ER) [HJR209 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HJR209-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Gilbert Lofton Granger, an esteemed public servant, accomplished accountant and businessman, honorable member of the Virginia National Guard and the United States Army Reserve, and a beloved member of the Williamsburg community, died on June 17, 2023; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from Central High School in Philadelphia in 1953, Gilbert "Gil" Lofton Granger earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from The College of William & Mary, an experience that would inspire him to make his home in Williamsburg for the rest of his life; and
WHEREAS, primarily a certified public accountant by trade, with his own firm, Granger, Lent, and Hawthorne, Gil Granger would devote himself to myriad endeavors throughout his career, including owning a Minor League Baseball team, the Peninsula Pilots, and serving as president of WMBG Radio in Williamsburg; and
WHEREAS, Gil Granger proudly served the residents of Williamsburg over the course of two decades in public office, beginning in 1969 with what was formerly the Williamsburg Board of Adjustments and Appeals, followed by terms with the Williamsburg–James City County School Board and ultimately the Williamsburg City Council, where he held a seat for 16 years and served as mayor from 1996 to 1998; and
WHEREAS, beyond his accomplishments in business and in public service, Gil Granger served the community through his involvement with upwards of 30 civic organizations, including the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club; and
WHEREAS, with a deep commitment to the safety and well-being of the Commonwealth and the country, Gil Granger served in the Virginia National Guard and the United States Army Reserve between 1958 and 1981; and
WHEREAS, known for his kind and generous nature, Gil Granger was a willing mentor to many aspiring business owners in the Williamsburg area, while always prizing the importance of spending time with family above all else; and
WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, Gil Granger enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church for many years; and
WHEREAS, preceded in death by his daughter Gilinda, Gil Granger will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of 65 years, Ann Cornelia; his children, GrayAnn and Gregory, 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 Gilbert Lofton Granger, a pillar of the Williamsburg community whose dedication to serving others 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 Gilbert Lofton Granger as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.
