Bill Text: VA HJR553 | 2013 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of William Francis Harris, Jr.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2013-01-17 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ553ER) [HJR553 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2013-HJR553-Enrolled.html
|
WHEREAS, William Francis Harris, Jr., a distinguished World War II veteran and admired business and community leader from Hanover County, died on October 20, 2012; and WHEREAS, a native of Louisa County, William "Snapper" Harris graduated from Louisa County High School and Danville Technical Institute; and WHEREAS, as the United States entered World War II, Snapper Harris joined the other young men of his generation in the war effort as a member of the 365th Fighter Group known as the Fighting Hell Hawks; and WHEREAS, Snapper Harris landed on Omaha Beach on the 13th day of the Allied invasion and his courageous service included participation in the liberation of Paris, the Battle of the Bulge, and the Battle of Aachen; and WHEREAS, after the war, Snapper Harris returned to civilian life and embarked on a career in banking at Southern Bank and Trust, taking the train each morning from Bumpass to Richmond; it was on the train that he met his wife, Jean, whom he married in 1949; and WHEREAS, dedicated to the well-being of the communities and individuals he served, Snapper Harris spent 40 years in the banking industry, working for Tri-County Bank and retiring from Crestar Bank; and WHEREAS, a true community banker, Snapper Harris took great pride in helping others live the American dream, assisting small businesses in getting their start and young couples in purchasing their first homes; and WHEREAS, a Master Mason, Snapper Harris participated in community affairs as a charter member of the Courthouse Ruritan Club and the Mechanicsville Businessmen's Association and a member of the Ashland Kiwanis Club, Hanover Association of Businesses, and St. Paul's Episcopal Church; and WHEREAS, dedicated to Hanover County and its residents, Snapper Harris provided wise guidance and insight throughout his 19 years on the Hanover County Planning Commission; and WHEREAS, Snapper Harris served his family, community, and country with great integrity and devotion, inspiring others with his selfless service and genuine concern for those around him; and WHEREAS, predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Jean, Snapper Harris will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his children, Anne, Overton, and Scott, 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 respected community and business leader, William Francis Harris, 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 Francis Harris, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory. |
