Bill Text: VA SR163 | 2017 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Clyde Eugene Arnette, Jr.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2017-02-24 - Bill text as passed Senate (SR163ER) [SR163 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2017-SR163-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Clyde Eugene Arnette, Jr., of Charlottesville, a standout quarterback at Lane High School and the University of Virginia in the 1960s, died on February 9, 2017; and
WHEREAS, the son of Clyde and Virginia Arnette, Eugene "Gene" Arnette was born and raised in Charlottesville and genuinely loved his hometown; and
WHEREAS, Gene Arnette was a legendary quarterback at Lane High School in Charlottesville, where he led the Black Knights to the 1963 state football championship during the school's record 53-game winning streak; and
WHEREAS, after considering numerous college scholarship offers, Gene Arnette chose to stay in his hometown and attend the University of Virginia (UVA), where he lettered in football and baseball and won awards for being an outstanding student leader and athlete; and
WHEREAS, as a two-year starter, Gene Arnette led the Virginia Cavaliers to an overall record of 5–5 in 1967 and 7–3 in 1968, the program's first winning football season since 1952; and
WHEREAS, a dual threat quarterback known for changing the plays called from the sideline, Gene Arnette accounted for more than 3,000 total yards of offense and 28 touchdowns in his two years as a starter for UVA, passing for 2,447 yards and 20 touchdowns; and
WHEREAS, a fierce competitor, great leader, and fun-loving person, Gene Arnette was a member of Zeta Psi Fraternity, the Mystic Order of Eli Banana, and the IMP Society at UVA; and
WHEREAS, after receiving a master's degree from UVA, Gene Arnette served in the United States Navy and succeeded Roger Staubach as quarterback of the Pensacola Naval Station Goshawks football team; and
WHEREAS, Gene Arnette was a successful businessman in the Charlottesville area working in the fuel business, and at one time served as vice president of Tiger Fuel; and
WHEREAS, Gene Arnette had a generous heart and gave his time and support to many local charities and organizations, including the Miller School of Albemarle, Virginia Student Aid Foundation, Crime Stoppers, and youth athletic teams; and
WHEREAS, Gene Arnette was a great storyteller and served as a sideline analyst for UVA football radio broadcasts in recent years; he loved spending time on the golf course with his friends and time at home with his children and grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Gene Arnette will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his son, Scott; daughter, Cali, and her family; and a host of relatives and good friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Clyde Eugene Arnette, Jr., a star quarterback for the Lane High School and University of Virginia football teams; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Clyde Eugene Arnette, Jr., as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.
