WHEREAS, Kenneth A. Hall, a longtime auto dealer and leader of the business community in Hampton Roads, and a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died on February 19, 2019; and
WHEREAS, a native of Gloucester County, Kenneth "Ken" Hall came from humble beginnings as a member of the Guinea community; and
WHEREAS, a loyal patriot, Ken Hall, served his country as a member of the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, possessing a strong work ethic, Ken Hall began working from his early teen years in various businesses including a general store and at Newport News Shipbuilding before turning his attention to the auto industry; and
WHEREAS, Ken Hall, who worked in the auto industry for more than 50 years, began his career as a used car salesman and founded his own business in 1975 with a Jeep/AMC dealership in Virginia Beach; and
WHEREAS, Ken Hall grew his business, Hall Automotive, into one of the 50 largest auto retailers in the country, with 17 dealerships in the Commonwealth and in North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, always cognizant of the contributions of all his employees to the success of Hall Automotive, Ken Hall routinely rewarded his administrative, clerical, and custodial staff with vacations aboard luxury cruise ships as an expression of his gratitude for their service; and
WHEREAS, an active and dedicated member of his community, Ken Hall supported a wide array of industry and community causes for many years; and
WHEREAS, Ken Hall was a leader in his community and supported numerous causes including local and collegiate sports programs and efforts to provide medical care and advance medical research; and
WHEREAS, Ken Hall was a strong supporter of Operation Smile, accompanying the organization and its physicians on trips to assist patients in underserved areas around the globe; and
WHEREAS, a true believer in the strength of the Virginia political process, Ken Hall counted among his friends and acquaintances elected officials in all levels of state and federal government, from both sides of the political aisle; and
WHEREAS, an active and dedicated member of the auto industry, Ken Hall served his customers and his community with a generous spirit and was an example to dealers in his community and around the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Ken Hall always gave a helping hand to other people who were starting their careers in the auto industry and relished opportunities to serve as a mentor; and
WHEREAS, Ken Hall served his industry as an active member of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association including service as a member of the Board of Directors; and
WHEREAS, Ken Hall served as chair of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association in 1989, leading all his fellow franchise dealers as their top elected officer; and
WHEREAS, never one to be idle, Ken Hall pursued various interests including golf, aviation, and real estate; and
WHEREAS, Ken Hall will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by numerous family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Kenneth A. Hall, a respected member of the Hampton Roads community; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Kenneth A. Hall as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.