HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5123 Offered June 28, 2006 Commending Turner M. Spencer. ----------
Patrons-- Ward, Alexander, Amundson, BaCote, Barlow, Bowling, Brink, Bulova, Caputo, Dance, Eisenberg, Englin, Hall, Howell, A.T., Hull, Joannou, Johnson, Lewis, McClellan, McEachin, Melvin, Miller, Plum, Poisson, Scott, J.M., Shannon, Shuler, Sickles, Toscano, Tyler, Valentine, Waddell, Ware, O. and Watts
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WHEREAS, Turner M. Spencer, a dedicated educator, former vice mayor and longtime member of the Hampton City Council, is recognized for his outstanding public service; and

WHEREAS, Turner M. Spencer was born in Emporia, where he attended public schools, and earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in biology and general science from Virginia State University; and

WHEREAS, in 1958 Turner Spencer served his country on active duty for two years in the United States Army, rising to captain, and continued his military career with the Army Reserves, retiring with the rank of major; and

WHEREAS, after military service, Turner Spencer received a master’s degree in education from Hampton University, studied marine biology and oceanography at the University of Virginia, and was awarded a doctoral degree in higher educational administration from The College of William and Mary; and

WHEREAS, Turner Spencer taught at Norfolk Junior High School and after moving to Newport News, taught at Huntington High School; and

WHEREAS, dedicated to excellence in education, Turner Spencer served on the faculty of Thomas Nelson Community College from 1968 until 1998 and as the chairman of its biology department until retiring in 2000; and

WHEREAS, Turner Spencer began his career in public service in 1986, when he was appointed to the Hampton City Council; he served as vice mayor from 1994 until 1996 and will serve on the council until his retirement on June 30, 2006; and

WHEREAS, over the years, Turner Spencer has generously given his time and talents in major leadership positions of numerous civic organizations, including the Hampton Roads Transportation District Commission, the Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority, the Virginia Transit Association, the Virginia Municipal League, the American Public Transit Association, the Peninsula Aids Foundation Advisory Board, the Virginia Living Museum, the Executive Committee for the Virginia Peninsula Economic Development Council, the Peninsula Workforce Development Consortium, the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities, and the Boy and Girls Clubs of Greater Hampton Roads; and

WHEREAS, Turner Spencer has received many honors, including the Humanitarian Award by the Virginia Chapter of 100 Black Men of America, Inc., and the Man of the Year Award by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Alpha Alpha Chapter; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Turner M. Spencer for his outstanding public service to the citizens of the City of Hampton and the Commonwealth; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Turner M. Spencer as an expression of the General Assembly’s best wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement.