SR9: Celebrating the life of Joseph C. Smiddy.
WHEREAS, Joseph C. Smiddy, a distinguished resident of Southwest Virginia, who helped countless students achieve their dreams through his leadership as an educator and college administrator, died on May 1, 2017; and
WHEREAS, a native of Jellico, Tennessee, Joseph Smiddy joined many of the other young men of his generation in service to the nation during World War II; he was appointed as an assistant conductor of the 392nd Army Service Forces Band at Fort Lee, then applied for overseas duty and served in the Pacific theater; and
WHEREAS, after his honorable military service, Joseph Smiddy completed his bachelor’s degree at Lincoln Memorial University and continued his education at The College of William and Mary and the University of Tennessee, earning a master’s degree from Peabody College of Education and Human Development; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Smiddy was passionate about the importance of lifelong learning, and he began his career in education at Jonesville High School, where he became principal; he was recruited to become the first biology professor of Clinch Valley College, now University of Virginia’s College at Wise; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Smiddy provided exceptional leadership to Clinch Valley College, serving as dean and as the institution’s first chancellor; during his 30-year tenure, he oversaw the admission of Clinch Valley College’s first African American student and helped the college grow from a two-year to a four-year institution; and
WHEREAS, a well-known member of the Wise community, Joseph Smiddy was a 50-year member of the Wise Kiwanis Club, and he enjoyed fellowship and worship with the congregation of Wise Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, affectionately known as Papa Joe, Joseph Smiddy was a consummate storyteller known for his wisdom and wit and a talented musician who worked to preserve mountain music as a longtime banjo player in the Reedy Creek Bluegrass Band; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Smiddy earned many awards and accolades over the course of his career, including the Kanto Education Award, the Laurel Leaf Award, and several honorary doctorates; the annual Papa Joe Smiddy Mountain Music Festival at Natural Tunnel State Park was also named in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Smiddy will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his children, Joe and Elizabeth, and their families; stepchildren, Edwina, Chuck, and Cathy, and their families; and numerous other family members, friends, and colleagues; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Joseph C. Smiddy, a respected leader in higher education and a pillar of the Southwest Virginia community; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Joseph C. Smiddy as an expression of the Senate of Virginia’s respect for his memory.
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 9
WHEREAS, Joseph C. Smiddy, a distinguished resident of Southwest Virginia, who helped countless students achieve their dreams through his leadership as an educator and college administrator, died on May 1, 2017; and
WHEREAS, a native of Jellico, Tennessee, Joseph Smiddy joined many of the other young men of his generation in service to the nation during World War II; he was appointed as an assistant conductor of the 392nd Army Service Forces Band at Fort Lee, then applied for overseas duty and served in the Pacific theater; and
WHEREAS, after his honorable military service, Joseph Smiddy completed his bachelor’s degree at Lincoln Memorial University and continued his education at The College of William and Mary and the University of Tennessee, earning a master’s degree from Peabody College of Education and Human Development; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Smiddy was passionate about the importance of lifelong learning, and he began his career in education at Jonesville High School, where he became principal; he was recruited to become the first biology professor of Clinch Valley College, now University of Virginia’s College at Wise; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Smiddy provided exceptional leadership to Clinch Valley College, serving as dean and as the institution’s first chancellor; during his 30-year tenure, he oversaw the admission of Clinch Valley College’s first African American student and helped the college grow from a two-year to a four-year institution; and
WHEREAS, a well-known member of the Wise community, Joseph Smiddy was a 50-year member of the Wise Kiwanis Club, and he enjoyed fellowship and worship with the congregation of Wise Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, affectionately known as Papa Joe, Joseph Smiddy was a consummate storyteller known for his wisdom and wit and a talented musician who worked to preserve mountain music as a longtime banjo player in the Reedy Creek Bluegrass Band; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Smiddy earned many awards and accolades over the course of his career, including the Kanto Education Award, the Laurel Leaf Award, and several honorary doctorates; the annual Papa Joe Smiddy Mountain Music Festival at Natural Tunnel State Park was also named in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Smiddy will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his children, Joe and Elizabeth, and their families; stepchildren, Edwina, Chuck, and Cathy, and their families; and numerous other family members, friends, and colleagues; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Joseph C. Smiddy, a respected leader in higher education and a pillar of the Southwest Virginia community; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Joseph C. Smiddy as an expression of the Senate of Virginia’s respect for his memory.