WHEREAS, Sidney Belt Harvey III, a beloved husband and father, devoted educator, and respected member of the Elk Creek community, died on July 26, 2017; and

WHEREAS, born and raised in Elk Creek, Sidney Harvey graduated from Elk Creek High School and then served in the United States Air Force as a military radio operator during the Korean War; and

WHEREAS, after leaving the military, Sidney Harvey attended Virginia Tech and graduated with a bachelor's degree in education in 1956; during the next 20 years, he returned to the school twice to earn a graduate degree in education and a doctoral degree in school administration; and

WHEREAS, after earning his first degree, Sidney Harvey followed a lifelong dream and became a schoolteacher; during his distinguished 41-year career in education, he also served as a principal and coach and as the general supervisor, director of instruction, and division superintendent of Grayson County Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his dedication to the public schools, Sidney Harvey gave generously of his time in service to his community; he established an annual fishing olympics for special needs students, served on the board of directors for Wytheville Community College, and was an Elk Creek Rescue Squad Auxiliary and a 32nd degree Mason; and

WHEREAS, Sidney Harvey was happiest when spending time with his family and enjoying fellowship and worship at Lebanon United Methodist Church; he was also an enthusiastic Virginia Tech fan who kept a large collection of memorabilia related to the school's history; and

WHEREAS, Sidney Harvey will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his wife of 61 years, Shirley; son, David, and his family; and countless friends and members of the Elk Creek community; 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 Sidney Belt Harvey III, a committed educator with a passion for lifelong learning; 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 Sidney Belt Harvey III as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.