WHEREAS, Goodman Burnett Duke, an honorable veteran, accomplished business executive, and influential member of the Louisa County community, died on March 5, 2021; and

WHEREAS, affectionately known by family and friends as "Budgie," Goodman Duke served his country with honor and valor as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War; and

WHEREAS, Goodman Duke assumed leadership of Duke Oil Company from his father, John A. Duke, Jr., in the 1950s, and guided the business through several mergers until it was ultimately purchased by Massey Wood & West in 1985; and

WHEREAS, after the sale of Duke Oil Company, Goodman Duke remained a valued member of Massey Wood & West, helping the company satisfy the heating and petroleum needs of citizens of the Commonwealth for many years; and

WHEREAS, Goodman Duke's aptitude for business also extended to Synergistics, Inc., a holding company for Gentry Drilling Corp.; Mid-Virginia Broadcasting Corp., Louisa's first radio station; and Refyl, Inc., a propane cylinder exchange and refurbishing company based in Orlando; and

WHEREAS, a lifelong resident of Louisa County, Goodman Duke fostered community through various endeavors, including cofounding Louisa's first independent community bank and serving on the Board of Directors of the former Louisa Country Club; and

WHEREAS, Goodman Duke's life was defined by his commitment to serving others, leading him to be a charter member of Louisa County's first rescue squad, which he served as both first lieutenant and captain; to serve the Mineral Volunteer Fire Department, including a term as chief; and to lead the Louisa Library Foundation and the James River Water Authority as president and chairman, respectively; and

WHEREAS, Goodman Duke's dedication to the well-being of his community was exemplified by his membership on the Mineral Town Council and his service as Mineral Town Clerk, as well as by his leadership of the Mineral Industrial Development Corporation and his nearly two decades of service on the Louisa County Industrial Development Authority; and

WHEREAS, a humble servant who never sought attention for his achievements, Goodman Duke nevertheless received a multitude of recognitions throughout his life, including the Jaycees Distinguished Service Award in 1959 and the inaugural Louisa Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year award; and

WHEREAS, Goodman Duke will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of 65 years, Becky; his children, Goodman, Jr., David, and Andrew, and their families; 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 Goodman Burnett Duke, a distinguished member of the Louisa County community whose kindness and generosity made an impact on 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 Goodman Burnett Duke as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.