HJ5060: Celebrating the life of Thomas J. Matthews.

WHEREAS, Thomas J. Matthews, a lifelong resident of Wattsville and a member and former chairman of the Accomack County Board of Supervisors, died on February 28, 2006; and

WHEREAS, born in Maryland on November 21, 1937, Thomas Matthews honorably served his country in the United States Army National Guard; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Matthews was a retired Accomack County farmer, a 32-year nurseryman, and a residential land developer; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Matthews and his beloved wife, Nancy, were the owners and operators of Matthews Plant World in Wattsville; and

WHEREAS, during his 14 years on the Accomack County Board of Supervisors, Thomas Matthews served on many committees for the betterment of the Eastern Shore of Virginia and his constituents; and

WHEREAS, dedicated to improving the quality of life for the residents of Accomack County, Thomas Matthews served as a member of the board of the Accomack-Northampton Housing and Redevelopment Corporation and as a member of the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Matthews also served on the Accomack-Northampton Transportation District Commission, where he was a member of the board of directors of the Canonie Atlantic Company and the Eastern Shore Railroad; the Eastern Shore of Virginia Ground Water Committee; the Building Needs Assessment Committee; and the County's Finance Committee; and

WHEREAS, committed to the well-being of his neighbors, Thomas Matthews was a member of the Atlantic Ruritans, the Eastern Shore Nurseryman’s Association, and the Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Matthews was a member of Atlantic United Methodist Church, where he was a past chairman of the official board, and attended Wattsville United Methodist Church; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Matthews will be missed by his loving family, his numerous friends and admirers, and the citizens of Accomack County; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of an outstanding public servant and fine Virginian, Thomas J. Matthews; 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 Thomas J. Matthews as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.