WHEREAS, Roger Allan Saunders, Jr., a business owner who made many contributions to the Hampton community, died on February 18, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Roger Saunders grew up in Hampton and was a multisport athlete who served as captain of the track and field and cross country teams at Kecoughtan High School; he continued his education at Hampton Institute, now known as Hampton University, where he studied physical education and continued to run track; and

WHEREAS, Roger Saunders worked for United Parcel Service to support himself during college, and after graduation, he worked with his father at Poquoson Motors Company, where he earned a reputation for fairness and commitment to good customer service; and

WHEREAS, Roger Saunders later became the business and finance manager for Pomoco Auto Group, which owned Poquoson Motors, and enjoyed a distinguished 45-year career with the company until 2018, when he opened Saunders Motor Company in Hampton; and

WHEREAS, through Saunders Motor Company, Roger Saunders and his brothers Ralph and Kyle, fulfilled their late father's dream of entrepreneurship and focused on creating opportunities for other African American members of the community; and

WHEREAS, Roger Saunders earned many awards and accolades for his salesmanship and other professional achievements, and in 2015, he received an Annual Award from the Hampton Division of Fire & Rescue for his heroic, lifesaving efforts to help pull a woman from a burning vehicle; and

WHEREAS, Roger Saunders brought joy to friends through his passion for classic cars, and he was a loving and dedicated father, who was proud to support his daughter, Morgan, after she followed in his footsteps as a track and field athlete; and

WHEREAS, a man of quiet but devoted faith, Roger Saunders attended Antioch Baptist Church in his youth and joined First Baptist Church of Hampton as an adult; and

WHEREAS, Roger Saunders will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Sonya; his daughter, Morgan; and numerous other family members, friends, and colleagues; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Roger Allan Saunders, Jr., a successful automobile dealer and respected member of the Hampton 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 Roger Allan Saunders, Jr., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.