HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 49 Offered January 9, 2008 Prefiled December 26, 2007 Celebrating the life of Richard Earl Connellee, Sr. ---------- Patron-- Landes ----------

WHEREAS, Richard Earl Connellee, Sr., of Port Republic, a respected citizen and outstanding public servant of Rockingham County for 24 years, died on October 14, 2007; and

WHEREAS, a native of Rockingham County, Richard Connellee was born on August 29, 1943, a son of the late Richard Irving and Anna Marie McDonaldson Connellee; and

WHEREAS, an exceptional husband and father with strong family values, Richard Connellee married Deidra Clement on June 29, 1962, and the couple have a devoted son, Richard "Rick" Connellee; and

WHEREAS, before beginning his public service career, Richard Connellee worked as a research analyst for Reynolds Metals Company for 19 years; and

WHEREAS, Richard Connellee was a certified professional assessor and was appointed by the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors, serving for 17 years first as county assessor and then deputy commissioner of the revenue; and

WHEREAS, committed to the continued growth and prosperity of his community and the quality of life of his neighbors, Richard Connellee served as commissioner of the revenue for Rockingham County for seven and a half years; and

WHEREAS, Richard Connellee gave his time and many talents to numerous professional and civic organizations, including raising funds for Grottoes Volunteer Fire Department and volunteering at its annual lawn party; serving as a member of the Commissioner of Revenue Association, Virginia Association of Assessing Officers, and Grottoes Ruritan Club; and as a board member of the Weekday Religious Education program; and

WHEREAS, active in the political activities of his community, Richard Connellee was a member of the 25th House District Advisory Committee and chairman of the Grottoes and South River Republican Precinct; and

WHEREAS, a great mentor and role model for young people, Richard Connellee was the charter president of the Grottoes Little League, and he coached youth baseball teams for 14 years; and

WHEREAS, Richard Connellee was a faithful member of the Mount Olive Brethren Church in Pineville, where he served as a Sunday school teacher, youth leader, deacon, member of the church choir, and enthusiastic mascot for vacation Bible school every summer; and

WHEREAS, Richard Connellee will be fondly remembered for his kind and generous nature and greatly missed by his loving family, including his wonderful grandchildren; his numerous friends and admirers; and the citizens of Rockingham County; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of a fine public servant and outstanding Virginian, Richard Earl Connellee, Sr.; 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 Richard Earl Connellee, Sr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.