SJ320: Celebrating the life of Wilbert Earl Ashe, Jr.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 320
Offered January 10, 2007
Prefiled December 13, 2006
Celebrating the life of Wilbert Earl Ashe, Jr.
Patron-- Locke

WHEREAS, Wilbert Earl Ashe, Jr., of Newport News, a respected businessman and an admired community advocate, died on October 3, 2006; and

WHEREAS, Wilbert Earl “Buttons” Ashe, Jr., was born on November 8, 1953, the son of Effie Carroll and Wilbert E. Ashe, Sr.; he was nicknamed "Buttons" by his very special Aunt Serena when he was a little boy; and

WHEREAS, Wilbert Ashe was a member of the last graduating class of G.W. Carver High School in 1971; earned an undergraduate degree from Hampton Institute, now Hampton University; and became an outstanding science teacher for the Newport News Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, Wilbert Ashe married his one and only love, Arlene, and the couple had two wonderful sons, Brandon Earl and Bryan Christopher; and

WHEREAS, an enthusiastic lifelong learner, Wilbert Ashe continued his education at ECPI College of Technology and began a career in the technology industry, becoming vice president of human resources for Zel Technologies, LLC, in Hampton; and

WHEREAS, with the support of his company, Wilbert Ashe was instrumental in organizing Kid-Tech, a tutorial program for young people designed to increase computer learning in the community; and

WHEREAS, dedicated to improving the quality of life of all his fellow citizens, Wilbert Ashe was a knowledgeable advocate for the community and active in its affairs, including as a leader in Hampton Watch and the Hampton Leadership Summit; and

WHEREAS, Wilbert Ashe was a faithful member of First Baptist Church Jefferson Park, serving on its board of trustees and as a Boy Scout leader and was an active participant in the church's many missions in the Hampton Roads area; and

WHEREAS, Wilbert Ashe will be fondly remembered for his kind and generous nature and greatly missed by his family, his numerous friends and admirers, and the congregation of First Baptist Church Jefferson Park; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of an outstanding community advocate and fine Virginian, Wilbert Earl Ashe, Jr.; and, be it

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