WHEREAS, William Revell Lewis, Jr., a noted businessman from Accomack County who played an active role in civic and community affairs, died on June 29, 2011; and

WHEREAS, a lifelong resident of Parksley, William Lewis graduated from Randolph-Macon Academy and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and proudly served his country in the United States Merchant Marine; and

WHEREAS, upon returning to his hometown, William Lewis joined the family business and eventually founded Associated Farms, Inc., in 1979; and

WHEREAS, under William Lewis' leadership, Associated Farms, Inc., expanded to include facilities in Parksley, Accomac, Melfa, and Exmore and became a trusted source for grain handling and merchandising services; and

WHEREAS, William Lewis provided wise counsel and thoughtful guidance as a member of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel Commission, Eastern Shore Community College board, and Central Fidelity Bank board; he also served as chair of the Northampton-Accomack Memorial Hospital board of trustees and as president and chair of Fidelity American Bank, Eastern Shore; and

WHEREAS, William Lewis remained loyal to his alma mater as an avid football fan and through the establishment of a scholarship for business students; and

WHEREAS, a 63-year member of Parksley Lodge No. 325 AF & AM, which later merged into Central Lodge No. 300 AF & AM, William Lewis also enjoyed fellowship and service as a member of Jewel Royal Arch Chapter 49, Eastern Shore Shrine Club, Virginia Lodge No. 1766 B.P.O.E., and Royal Order of Jesters, Norfolk Court No. 75; and

WHEREAS, William Lewis worshipped at Grace United Methodist Church in Parksley, serving as Finance Campaign Committee chair as the church constructed a new sanctuary and on the planning committee when the new Christian Education Building was built, in addition to numerous other roles; and

WHEREAS, in his free time, William Lewis enjoyed a good game of tennis, oftentimes defeating his sons in the game, and flying his plane; and

WHEREAS, a man of integrity who approached all his endeavors with his characteristic energy and resolve, William Lewis served his community, the Commonwealth, and the nation with great honor; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his wife, Bettie, William Lewis will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his sons, Revell and Richard, 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 a valued citizen of Accomack County and the Commonwealth, William Revell Lewis, Jr.; 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 William Revell Lewis, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.