WHEREAS, Dorce Earl McReynolds of Blountville, Tennessee, a businessman in Southwest Virginia and a former resident of Washington County, died on March 17, 2015; and

WHEREAS, a native of Russell County, Dorce "Joe" Earl McReynolds joined many of the other young men of his generation in service to his country during World War II; he was deployed to both the European and Pacific theaters of operation during the war; and

WHEREAS, after his honorable discharge, Joe McReynolds pursued a successful career as a businessman; he worked as a construction contractor and real estate developer and was co-owner of Gate City Auto Parts for 34 years; and

WHEREAS, Joe McReynolds was known as never having met a stranger as he worked to strengthen and enhance the community through his membership in many civic and service organizations in Washington County; and

WHEREAS, a man who lived his faith through his actions, Joe McReynolds enjoyed fellowship and worship with the community at Euclid Avenue Baptist Church, and he was a charter member of Midway Baptist Church, where he held several leadership positions through the years; and

WHEREAS, Joe McReynolds will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 55 years, Jean; children, Joseph, Jon, Michael, Holly, and Kimberly, 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 Dorce Earl McReynolds, a business and community leader in Southwest Virginia; 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 Dorce Earl McReynolds as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.