WHEREAS, the Reverend Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., an inspirational spiritual leader who strengthened the Richmond community, died on March 19, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Robert Pettis was born in San Francisco, California, and began to cultivate his deep faith at a young age; he was licensed to preach at the age of 16 and was ordained in 1976; and

WHEREAS, Robert Pettis graduated from Ravenswood High School in East Palo Alto and attended what is now Biola University; he subsequently earned a bachelor's degree from Bishop College in Texas, where he was an active member of Concord Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, Robert Pettis relocated to the Commonwealth and enrolled at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology of Virginia Union University, from which he earned a master of divinity degree; he was later selected as one of the first candidates for the institution's doctor of divinity program and graduated with a focus in church management; and

WHEREAS, in May 1981, Robert Pettis became the pastor of Zion Baptist Church and helped the church grow in faith and number during more than 40 years of leadership; he established a wide range of ministries and outreach programs that helped empower and uplift members of the congregation and the wider community; and

WHEREAS, in 2016, Robert Pettis joined the Parliamentary Law Club of Richmond and served as president of the organization for three years, as well as recently serving as chaplain; and

WHEREAS, Robert Pettis will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 39 years, Palma; his children, Nichole, Ashley, and Robert, Jr.; 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 the Reverend Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., a highly admired faith leader in Richmond; 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 the Reverend Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.