SR 84 (161st Virginia General Assembly)

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 84 Celebrating the life of William C. Washington.

Agreed to by the Senate, January 14, 2021

WHEREAS, William C. Washington, an honorable veteran, esteemed educator, and beloved member of the community of Emporia, died on October 8, 2020; and

WHEREAS, affectionately known by family and friends as “Doc,” William Washington was raised in Emporia and graduated from the Greensville County Training School in 1944; and

WHEREAS, William Washington valiantly served in the United States Army from 1944 to 1946, bravely fulfilling tours of duty in Europe, Korea, and the Philippines during World War II; and

WHEREAS, after concluding his military service, William Washington earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial education from Saint Paul’s Polytechnic Institute, now Saint Paul’s College, and began teaching at the former Edward W. Wyatt High School, known today as Nelson County High School; and

WHEREAS, over an illustrious, 45-year career in education, William Washington also held posts at James Solomon Russell High School and Brunswick High School, both in Lawrenceville, teaching courses in mechanical drawing, industrial arts, physical education, and English; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his ability to inspire children to succeed both in and out of the classroom, William Washington received teacher of the year honors at James Solomon Russell High School and was placed on the Brunswick County School Board’s “Community Wall of Honor”; and

WHEREAS, a longtime coach of various sports who was dedicated to the health and well-being of young people, William Washington later became a Virginia High School League basketball official and was appointed commissioner of the Southside Basketball Officials Association; and

WHEREAS, William Washington volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America for nearly a half-century, serving as the scoutmaster of Cub Scout Pack 465 and Boy Scout Troop 465 and as his district’s commissioner and chairman; and

WHEREAS, for his tireless efforts with the Boy Scouts of America, William Washington was presented the Silver Beaver Award by the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America, one of the organization’s most prestigious awards; and

WHEREAS, William Washington gave generously of his time and talents to lead civic organizations in his community, including Optimist International, which he served as local chapter president, and Southside Senior Citizens, Inc., which he served as president; and

WHEREAS, various local organizations are indebted to William Washington for his years of dedication and service, including St. Paul’s Community Development Corporation; Brunswick Crime Solvers, Inc.; the Brunswick Mayfield Recreation Center Board of Directors; the Brunswick Retired Teachers Association; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; and the National Youth Sports Program; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his deep and abiding faith, William Washington enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Emporia, where he served as a lay leader, junior and senior warden, and member of the vestry; and

WHEREAS, William Washington will be dearly remembered and fondly missed by his loving wife of 69 years, Eula; his children, Yvonne and Coleen, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of William C. Washington, a veteran and educator from Emporia who made a profound and lasting impact upon countless lives; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of William C. Washington as an expression of the Senate of Virginia’s respect for his memory.