Bill Text: VA HR56 | 2022 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Francis Madison Graves, Jr., D.V.M.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2022-03-07 - Bill text as passed House (HR56ER) [HR56 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2022-HR56-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Francis Madison Graves, Jr., D.V.M., an honorable veteran, esteemed veterinarian, and beloved member of the Madison community, died on January 22, 2022; and
WHEREAS, Francis Madison "Matt" Graves, Jr., D.V.M., grew up on a farm in Syria, where he tended to his family's livestock and developed a passion for caring for animals; and
WHEREAS, following his graduation from high school, Matt Graves served his country as a member of the United States Air Force, with whom he trained to become a B-17 ball turret gunner; and
WHEREAS, after concluding his service in 1946, Matt Graves attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University before earning a doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Texas A&M University; and
WHEREAS, Matt Graves began his veterinary career in 1955 and ultimately established his practice in Madison, where he treated large and small animals with great care and attention until his retirement in 2013; and
WHEREAS, one of the only practicing veterinarians in the region for many years, Matt Graves went to great lengths to attend to the needs of his clientele and their animals, answering calls at all hours of the day and night and accepting payment in the form of produce or other goods as necessary; and
WHEREAS, dedicated to the advancement of his industry, Matt Graves was a member of both the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association; and
WHEREAS, Matt Graves' love for horses extended beyond his profession as he enjoyed raising and riding them with friends throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, preceded in death by his loving wife, Katie, Matt Graves will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his sons, Thomas, John, Carl, and Michael; his companion, Ann Browning; 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 Francis Madison Graves, Jr., D.V.M., a respected veterinarian and cherished member of the Madison community whose kindness and generosity were an inspiration to all who knew him; 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 Francis Madison Graves, Jr., D.V.M., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.
