SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 353 Offered January 10, 2007 Prefiled January 8, 2007 Celebrating the life of Karl L. Williams. ---------- Patron-- McDougle ----------

WHEREAS, Karl L. Williams of Varina, a respected citizen and community benefactor, died on July 11, 2006; and

WHEREAS, a Richmond native, Karl "Coney" Williams grew up amongst 10 brothers and sisters, graduated from John Marshall High School, and served his country in the United States Army during World War II in Africa and Italy; and

WHEREAS, during the war years, Karl Williams fell in love with Julia Hansen, and they decided to marry and have a big family, which turned out to include six wonderful girls; and

WHEREAS, in 1954, Karl Williams had a good job at the post office, but he wanted a better life, so he began his bond business in hopes of making a little extra money and a new career for himself and his growing family; and

WHEREAS, a good judge of character and a tough businessman, Karl Williams was an extremely generous person, who approached the posting of bail as an outreach to the community and was known to lend a helping hand to many a client in need, as well as his friends; and

WHEREAS, a legend in the East End of Henrico, Karl Williams loved practical jokes, was fun to be around, and earned the nickname “Coney” during his youth, because he was known to have a heart as big as Coney Island; and

WHEREAS, when the couple lost their beloved daughter Kern to breast cancer, Karl Williams donated, in her honor, the chapel at Our Lady of Hope Health Center, including the furnishings, the stained glass windows, and the organ; and

WHEREAS, Karl Williams will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by his devoted wife and daughters, his sister and four brothers, his 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, his many friends and admirers, and the parishioners of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of a community benefactor and fine Virginian, Karl L. Williams; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Karl L. Williams as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.