WHEREAS, Bahjet "Bob" J. Nassif, affectionately known as "Mr. Richlands," is commended for his commitment to his fellow residents and community; and WHEREAS, the son of immigrants from Lebanon, Bob Nassif was born in New Jersey and moved with his family to Richlands as a boy, where his father lived out the American dream, establishing a successful small business while raising his family in the beautiful mountain community; and WHEREAS, after completing his schooling and proudly serving in the military, Bob Nassif went on to fulfill his own entrepreneurial ambitions, opening a well-known menswear store, The Ramrod; and WHEREAS, a hardworking and dedicated business owner, Bob Nassif labored diligently to ensure that all his customers were provided with the highest level of customer service; and WHEREAS, as a young man, Bob Nassif developed a love of tennis through his association with a young lady, Nona Thomas, who would later become his wife; and WHEREAS, Bob Nassif became a passionate advocate for the game, helping to found the annual Richlands Open Tennis Tournament to raise funds for worthy charitable organizations and promote the game to a new generation; and WHEREAS, the tournament proceeds originally benefited the American Lung Association; today, they fund the Richlands Open Tennis Tournament Scholarship in Respiratory Care and the Bob Nassif Music Scholarship at Southwest Virginia Community College; and WHEREAS, Bob Nassif has generously devoted his time and energy to numerous other organizations in the community, including the Good Samaritan Food Pantry and the Citizens for the Arts; and WHEREAS, Bob Nassif continues to help run the Richlands Open Tennis Tournament and tutors young children at Richlands and Cedar Bluff Elementary Schools; and WHEREAS, known for his positive and upbeat manner, Bob Nassif has inspired countless residents over the years with his extraordinary commitment to his hometown and has helped make Richlands a great place in which to live and work; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly commend Bahjet "Bob" J. Nassif for his exemplary service to his community; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Bob Nassif as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration and respect for his commitment to the Town of Richlands and his fellow residents. |