Bill Text: VA HJR253 | 2018 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Robert Lee Stephens, Jr.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 3-0)
Status: (Passed) 2018-02-22 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ253ER) [HJR253 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2018-HJR253-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Robert Lee Stephens, Jr., a devoted husband and father, accomplished attorney, and active member of the Irvington community, died on August 11, 2017; and
WHEREAS, born in Richmond, Lee Stephens grew up in Irvington and attended Chesapeake Academy and the Woodberry Forest School; he then earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia, where he was a member of the St. Anthony Hall fraternity; and
WHEREAS, following his graduation, Lee Stephens served in the United States Navy as an officer aboard the destroyer USS Scott; he later returned to school and earned a juris doctor degree from The College of William and Mary; and
WHEREAS, Lee Stephens began his legal career at the Richmond law firm Williams Mullen while serving in the United States Naval Reserve; in 1990, he returned to his beloved hometown of Irvington to serve as president and general counsel of the Tides Inn, a resort founded by his grandparents; and
WHEREAS, after his family sold the Tides Inn in 2001, Lee Stephens practiced law and represented clients before the Virginia General Assembly with the firm Spotts Fain before opening his own practice in downtown Irvington and establishing himself as a respected specialist in conservation easements; and
WHEREAS, in addition to his successful law career, Lee Stephens volunteered his time and talents as a board member with several organizations, including the Foundation for Historic Christ Church, the Library of Virginia Foundation, the North American Land Trust, the Northern Neck Insurance Company, the Steamboat Era Museum, and Virginia Forever; and
WHEREAS, Lee Stephens was active in the Northern Neck Land Conservancy, the Resort Hotel Association, the Virginia Bar Association, and the Virginia Society of Association Executives; a lifelong supporter of Irvington, he also served as master of ceremonies at the town's Fourth of July parade; and
WHEREAS, remembered for his integrity, charisma, positive outlook, and infectious smile, Lee Stephens will be greatly missed by his wife of 37 years, Jarrett; his sons, Robert III and James, and their families; his parents, Bob Lee and Suzy; and numerous other family members, friends, and Irvington residents; 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 Robert Lee Stephens, Jr., a respected business leader and pillar of the Irvington community; 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 Robert Lee Stephens, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.