WHEREAS, Ben E. Allen, a respected businessman and dedicated public servant who worked to enhance the quality of life for his fellow residents of Big Stone Gap, died on July 10, 2019; and

WHEREAS, a native of Bristol, Tennessee, Ben Allen graduated from Tennessee High School and East Tennessee State University; he served his country as a member of the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1954, earning an achievement award from Strategic Air Command for his exemplary performance; and

WHEREAS, Ben Allen pursued a career in the oil industry and retired as president of Southwest Oil Company in Big Stone after 32 years of service; he then operated Lonesome Pine Raceway for several years; and

WHEREAS, an avid sports fan, Ben Allen also hosted the local radio show Pigskin Picks and became known as the "Voice of the Powell Valley Vikings" for his work as a public address announcer at Powell Valley High School; and

WHEREAS, Ben Allen further served the community as a member of the Big Stone Gap Town Council and two-term mayor; his civic involvement extended to the LENOWISCO Planning District Commission, Wise County Industrial Development Authority, Mountain Empire Community College Foundation, Lonesome Pine Hospital, Wellmont Foundation, Holston United Methodist Home for Children, and Big Stone Gap Lions Club; and

WHEREAS, a man of deep and abiding faith, Ben Allen enjoyed fellowship and worship with the congregation of Trinity United Methodist Church, where he volunteered on several committees and ministries; and

WHEREAS, Ben Allen will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 67 years, Dorothy; his children, Andy, Mike, and Carol, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Ben E. Allen, former mayor of Big Stone Gap and an active leader in the community; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Ben E. Allen as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.