WHEREAS, James Duty, an active resident of Brumley Gap who made many personal and professional contributions to the Washington County community, died on March 11, 2018; and

WHEREAS, a native of Russell County, James "Ruddy" Duty maintained a strong connection to his home county and enjoyed regaling friends and family with tales from his childhood; he moved to Washington County after marrying his wife, Sue Lee, in 1957; and

WHEREAS, Ruddy Duty was appointed to the Washington County Planning Commission in 1975 and worked diligently to promote and facilitate responsible growth for the benefit of all county residents for 30 years; and

WHEREAS, Ruddy Duty enjoyed a long career as a land dealer, auctioneer, and cattle farmer, and was a former employee of Hapco and Southwest Tobacco Warehouse; he was one of the first landowners in the area to harvest and sell Brumley Gap rocks; and

WHEREAS, Ruddy Duty enjoyed fellowship and worship with the community as a devout member of Brumley Gap United Methodist Church, where he served as a trustee and a Sunday school teacher for many years; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his son, Jeffrey, Ruddy Duty will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his beloved wife of more than 60 years, Sue Lee; his daughters, Sarah and Kim, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of James Duty, a respected leader in the Washington County 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 James Duty as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.