SJ251: Celebrating the life of Roy Thomas Stephenson.


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 251
Celebrating the life of Roy Thomas Stephenson.
 
Agreed to by the Senate, January 15, 2015
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 23, 2015
 

WHEREAS, Roy Thomas Stephenson, who was managing editor of the Staunton News Leader, former vice mayor of Staunton, a valued civic leader, a veteran of the United States military, and a devoted husband and father, died on November 24, 2014; and

WHEREAS, a native of McKinley, Roy Thomas Stephenson, who was known as Tommy, was managing editor of the Staunton News Leader from 1968 to 1992 and trained many journalists; some of them vividly recall—with fondness and respect—his role in shaping their careers, and his sharp eye regarding proper English usage; and

WHEREAS, Tommy Stephenson possessed a deep love for the city of Staunton and the surrounding community; he had many friends and often gleaned news stories from meetings he attended or while dining at local restaurants; and

WHEREAS, dedicated to the betterment of his community and the nation, Tommy Stephenson served in the United States Air Force; he was a member and former vice mayor of the Staunton City Council, where he supported programs for young people and senior citizens; and

WHEREAS, Tommy Stephenson was a valued member of the Headwaters Soil and Water Conservation District, the Middlebrook Ruritan Club, the Kiwanis Club of Staunton, the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Habitat for Humanity, the Valley Mission, and the America’s Birthday Celebration, Inc., committee; and

WHEREAS, Tommy Stephenson enjoyed raising cattle at his farm in Augusta County, gardening, and baseball; his friends especially remember his leadership abilities, his kindness, and his inability to say a harsh word about anyone; and

WHEREAS, a man of faith, Tommy Stephenson enjoyed fellowship and worship at Redeemer Lutheran Church in McKinley; and

WHEREAS, Tommy Stephenson will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his wife, Wanda; his children, Drew and Gwen, and their families; and by many other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Roy Thomas Stephenson of Staunton, who served his nation and the community as an influential newspaper editor, a supporter of many civic and charitable organizations, a military veteran, and a devoted husband and father; and, be it

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

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 251

Offered January 14, 2015
Prefiled January 12, 2015
Celebrating the life of Roy Thomas Stephenson.
Patrons-- Hanger; Delegate: Landes

WHEREAS, Roy Thomas Stephenson. who was managing editor of the Staunton News Leader, former vice mayor of Staunton, a valued civic leader, a veteran of the United States military, and a devoted husband and father, died on November 24, 2014; and

WHEREAS, a native of McKinley, Roy Thomas Stephenson, who was known as Tommy, was managing editor of the Staunton News Leader from 1968 to 1992 and trained many journalists; some of them vividly recall—with fondness and respect—his role in shaping their careers, and his sharp eye regarding proper English usage; and

WHEREAS, Tommy Stephenson possessed a deep love for the city of Staunton and the surrounding community; he had many friends and often gleaned news stories from meetings he attended or while dining at local restaurants; and

WHEREAS, dedicated to the betterment of his community and the nation, Tommy Stephenson served in the United States Air Force; he also was a member and former vice mayor of the Staunton City Council, where he supported programs for young people and senior citizens; and

WHEREAS, Tommy Stephenson was a valued member of the Headwaters Soil and Water Conservation District, the Middlebrook Ruritan Club, the Kiwanis Club of Staunton, the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Habitat for Humanity, the Valley Mission, and the America’s Birthday Celebration, Inc., committee; and

WHEREAS, Tommy Stephenson enjoyed raising cattle at his farm in Augusta County, gardening, and baseball; his friends especially remember his leadership abilities, his kindness, and his inability to say a harsh word about anyone; and

WHEREAS, a man of faith, Tommy Stephenson enjoyed fellowship and worship at Redeemer Lutheran Church in McKinley; and

WHEREAS, Tommy Stephenson will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his wife, Wanda; his children, Drew and Gwen, and their families; and by many other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Roy Thomas Stephenson of Staunton, who served his nation and the community as an influential newspaper editor, a supporter of many civic and charitable organizations, a military veteran, and a devoted husband and father; and, be it

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