SR114: Celebrating the life of William Francis Swain.
WHEREAS, William Francis Swain of Newport News, owner of The Lunch Bell restaurant for more than 30 years, a man of faith, a veteran of the United States military, and a devoted husband and father, died on February 10, 2015; and
WHEREAS, William “Bill” Swain, who graduated from Warwick High School in 1951, was a member of the football team; he was especially proud of being a “big brother” to teammate Henry Jordan, who went on to play for the Green Bay Packers and later was elected to the NFL Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, a lifelong resident of the Peninsula area, Bill Swain was a proud military veteran and served in the United States Air Force; he made valued contributions to the community as a longtime member of the Warwick Lions Club; and
WHEREAS, in 1981, Bill Swain and his wife, Betty, opened The Lunch Bell to serve the many people who worked in the Oyster Point Business Park in Newport News; the popular eatery featured a lunch counter and had 52 seats; and
WHEREAS, many customers appreciated Bill Swain’s friendliness and hospitality, and his wide smile welcomed all who ate a meal at The Lunch Bell; in the ensuing years, the restaurant grew bigger and changed locations twice, and today is located in Newport News’ City Center section; and
WHEREAS, a man of great faith, Bill Swain enjoyed worship and fellowship as a member of Northside Christian Church, where he was a former elder and served as deacon; and
WHEREAS, Bill Swain will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by Betty, his wife of 57 years; and by his children, Billy, Blair, and Shelah, and their families; and by many other family members, friends, and customers of The Lunch Bell; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of William Francis Swain of Newport News, owner of The Lunch Bell restaurant, a man of faith, a veteran of the United States military, 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 William Francis Swain as an expression of the Senate of Virginia’s respect for his memory.
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 114
WHEREAS, William Francis Swain of Newport News, owner of The Lunch Bell restaurant for more than 30 years, a man of faith, veteran of the United States military, and a devoted husband and father, died on February 10, 2015; and
WHEREAS, William “Bill” Swain, who graduated from Warwick High School in 1951, was a member of the football team; he was especially proud of being a “big brother” to teammate Henry Jordan, who went on to play for the Green Bay Packers and later was elected to the NFL Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, a lifelong resident of the Peninsula area, Bill Swain was a proud military veteran and served in the United States Air Force; he also made valued contributions to the community as a longtime member of the Warwick Lions Club; and
WHEREAS, in 1981, Bill Swain and his wife, Betty, opened The Lunch Bell to serve the many people who worked in the Oyster Point Business Park in Newport News; the popular eatery featured a lunch counter and had 52 seats; and
WHEREAS, many customers appreciated Bill Swain’s friendliness and hospitality, and his wide smile welcomed all who ate a meal at The Lunch Bell; in the ensuing years, the restaurant grew bigger and changed locations twice, and today is located in Newport News’ City Center section; and
WHEREAS, a man of great faith, Bill Swain enjoyed worship and fellowship as a member of Northside Christian Church, where he was a former elder and also served as deacon; and
WHEREAS, Bill Swain will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by Betty, his wife of 57 years; and by his children, Billy, Blair, and Shelah, and their families; and by many other family members, friends, and customers of The Lunch Bell; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of William Francis Swain of Newport News, owner of The Lunch Bell restaurant, a man of faith, veteran of the United States military, 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 William Francis Swain as an expression of the Senate of Virginia’s respect for his memory.