WHEREAS, Harry Lee Cross III, esteemed realtor and community leader, received the Suffolk First Citizen Award from the Downtown Suffolk Rotary Club and North Suffolk Rotary Club during a reception on August 25, 2022, at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of Suffolk High School, Harry Cross earned a degree in business from The College of William & Mary, where he also played tennis and was team captain for two years, before serving his country with honor and distinction as a flight officer in the United States Navy; and

WHEREAS, in 1973, Harry Cross joined Cross Realty & Cross Realty Management, the local family business that was started by his father, Harry Cross, Jr., two decades prior; for nearly a half-century since, he has worked tirelessly to help numerous clients in the Suffolk area realize their housing dreams; and

WHEREAS, as a testament to his abilities as a realtor, Harry Cross has received several gold and platinum sales awards over his career; meanwhile, he has taken great care to nurture the future generation of realtors by devoting time to mentoring the agents with whom he works; and

WHEREAS, Harry Cross' commitment to his industry led him to serve as president of REIN, the Multiple Listing Service for Hampton Roads, and as chairman of the Suffolk-Franklin Board of Realtors; and

WHEREAS, Harry Cross has given generously of his time and talents toward the betterment of his community by serving with various local and national organizations, including as president of the Downtown Suffolk Rotary Club and as chairman of the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, the local YMCA, the local chapter of the United Way, and the Community Action Coalition of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, a longtime coach and president of the Suffolk Youth Athletic Association for 10 years, Harry Cross oversaw the organization's tenfold growth as it incorporated new sports for both boys and girls; and

WHEREAS, as a board member and past president of the Suffolk Foundation, Harry Cross spearheaded various worthwhile local initiatives to address community needs, including the recently established Women's Impact Fund; and

WHEREAS, guided by his faith, Harry Cross has served as a deacon and elder at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Suffolk, taught Sunday school for more than 40 years, and advised the leaders of the Suffolk Christian Fellowship Center, a local food distribution service for those in need; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his impact in the community, Harry Cross was previously honored with the Outstanding Young Man Award from JCI USA, formerly known as the United States Junior Chamber, or Jaycees; and

WHEREAS, by receiving the Suffolk First Citizen Award, Harry Cross joins an illustrious group of past recipients that includes former governors, state senators and delegates, town mayors, and other distinguished members of the community, a fitting tribute to a man who has dedicated his life to the Suffolk community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Harry Lee Cross III hereby be commended for receiving the 2022 Suffolk First Citizen Award from the Downtown Suffolk Rotary Club and North Suffolk Rotary Club; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Harry Lee Cross III as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for his contributions to the Commonwealth.