WHEREAS, Richard Blane Byrd, an honorable veteran and hardworking hospitality industry professional who admirably served the citizens of Bath County for 24 years as a member of the Bath County Board of Supervisors, died on January 16, 2021; and

WHEREAS, a native of Bath County, Richard Byrd left high school at the age of 17 to valorously serve his country as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army; and

WHEREAS, Richard Byrd ably represented the Valley Springs District over six terms on the Bath County Board of Supervisors, serving from 1992 to 2011 and from 2015 to 2019 and leaving office as chairman of the board; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his duties as a supervisor of Bath County, Richard Byrd served eight years on the former Bath County Social Services Board and was the county's director of emergency services for 12 years; and

WHEREAS, Richard Byrd's other notable contributions to Bath County included longstanding involvement with the Hot Springs Fire and Rescue Squad and the Mountain Crest retirement community and nearly four decades supporting the region's hospitality industry; and

WHEREAS, Richard Byrd will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife, Pat; his daughter, Amy, and her family; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Richard Blane Byrd, longtime member of the Bath County Board of Supervisors whose unwavering dedication to his community touched countless lives; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Richard Blane Byrd as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.