Bill Text: VA SR114 | 2015 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of William Francis Swain.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2015-02-25 - Bill text as passed Senate (SR114ER) [SR114 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2015-SR114-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, William Francis Swain of Newport News, owner of The Lunch Bell restaurant for more than 30 years, a man of faith, a veteran of the United States military, and a devoted husband and father, died on February 10, 2015; and WHEREAS, William "Bill" Swain, who graduated from Warwick High School in 1951, was a member of the football team; he was especially proud of being a "big brother" to teammate Henry Jordan, who went on to play for the Green Bay Packers and later was elected to the NFL Hall of Fame; and WHEREAS, a lifelong resident of the Peninsula area, Bill Swain was a proud military veteran and served in the United States Air Force; he made valued contributions to the community as a longtime member of the Warwick Lions Club; and WHEREAS, in 1981, Bill Swain and his wife, Betty, opened The Lunch Bell to serve the many people who worked in the Oyster Point Business Park in Newport News; the popular eatery featured a lunch counter and had 52 seats; and WHEREAS, many customers appreciated Bill Swain's friendliness and hospitality, and his wide smile welcomed all who ate a meal at The Lunch Bell; in the ensuing years, the restaurant grew bigger and changed locations twice, and today is located in Newport News' City Center section; and WHEREAS, a man of great faith, Bill Swain enjoyed worship and fellowship as a member of Northside Christian Church, where he was a former elder and served as deacon; and WHEREAS, Bill Swain will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by Betty, his wife of 57 years; and by his children, Billy, Blair, and Shelah, and their families; and by many other family members, friends, and customers of The Lunch Bell; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of William Francis Swain of Newport News, owner of The Lunch Bell restaurant, a man of faith, a veteran of the United States military, and a devoted husband and father; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of William Francis Swain as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory. |