WHEREAS, Claude Nelson Smith of Roanoke, an esteemed business leader who worked diligently to enhance local life through his active role in the community, died on February 25, 2024; and

WHEREAS, a native of Lynchburg, Claude Smith was a member of the "Greatest Generation," who grew up during the Great Depression and served the nation during World War II; and

WHEREAS, as a member of the United States Army, Claude Smith achieved the rank of staff sergeant and was stationed in the Philippines and Korea; and

WHEREAS, after returning to the Commonwealth, Claude Smith became a prominent businessman and entrepreneur in Roanoke, where he dealt in billiards tables, jukeboxes, and other recreational equipment as the owner of State Amusement Company for 72 years; and

WHEREAS, Claude Smith served as president of the Amusement and Music Operators of Virginia and was on the National Board of Directors of the Amusement and Music Operators of America; and

WHEREAS, Claude Smith helped many fellow Roanoke Valley entrepreneurs launch their businesses, and he provided his leadership and expertise to many civic and service organizations; he was president of the Fraternal Order of Police, supported the local DARE program, and was a member of the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission for 25 years; and

WHEREAS, outside of his career, Claude Smith was a private pilot and had lived a life of adventure, experiencing water skiing, scuba diving, ziplining, parasailing, hang gliding, and more; he took up snow skiing at the age of 63 and continued to ski until he was 85; and

WHEREAS, Claude Smith enjoyed fellowship and worship with the community as a longtime member of Hollins Road Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his first wife, Madeleine, Claude Smith will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his son, Kenneth, and his family; his wife, Fei; her son, Andy; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Claude Nelson Smith; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Claude Nelson Smith as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.