HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 801 Offered January 24, 2007 Celebrating the life of Ralph Browning Johnson. ---------- Patron-- Bell ----------

WHEREAS, Ralph Browning Johnson, an admired citizen and revered former Fluvanna County Sheriff, died on January 20, 2007; and

WHEREAS, an admired 30-year veteran of the Fluvanna County Sheriff's Office, Ralph Johnson is remembered for his skill as an administrator, his valiant performance as a law-enforcement officer, and his devotion to his family, community, and fellow officers and staff; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Johnson was born on December 4, 1922, to Mary Emma Browning and William Broadus Johnson; and

WHEREAS, committed to protecting and serving Virginia's citizens and enforcing the laws of the Commonwealth, Sheriff Johnson was a man of principle, integrity, and professionalism and was highly respected by his fellow law-enforcement officers; and

WHEREAS, an exceptional mentor and role model for his deputies, Sheriff Johnson led by example and was a hard-working administrator with wisdom resulting from his compassion, his keen intellect, and many years of experience; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Johnson will be fondly remembered as a loving father and husband and greatly missed by his devoted wife of 61 years, Ida Cornelia Melton Johnson; his four loving children, Carole, Glenn, Lois, and Calvin and their wonderful families; 10 glorious grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members, friends, and colleagues; and

WHEREAS, a celebration of the life and career of Sheriff Johnson is a reminder of the invaluable service and great sacrifice made by our law-enforcement officers and all first responders throughout the Commonwealth and the nation every day; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the passing of a dedicated public servant and an outstanding Virginian, Ralph Browning Johnson; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Ralph Browning Johnson as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.