WHEREAS, Ferris M. Belman, Sr., a devoted husband and father, and a respected public servant in Fredericksburg and Stafford County, died on September 3, 2017; and

WHEREAS, a native of Fredericksburg, Ferris Belman graduated from James Monroe High School in 1944 and then served two years in the United States Army during World War II; after returning home, he joined his father's business, Belman's Grocery, and helped it grow to include three stores in Fredericksburg; and

WHEREAS, Ferris Belman began his 33-year local government career in 1968, when he won a seat on the Fredericksburg City Council; he would go on to win three more terms, earning a reputation for being fair-minded and accessible to his constituents; and

WHEREAS, Ferris Belman left Fredericksburg in 1983 and moved to his family farm in Stafford County; that same year, he reentered public service after winning a seat on the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, where he remained until 2001, often serving as chair or vice chair; and

WHEREAS, along with his defense of low taxes and property rights, Ferris Belman was known for his keen ability to predict the need for infrastructure improvements in Stafford County; during his years of service, he was involved in the building of the Lake Mooney Reservoir, the Stafford Regional Airport, the Government Center, and the regional adult and juvenile detention centers; and

WHEREAS, other major accomplishments from Ferris Belman's tenure on the Stafford County Board of Supervisors include attracting the insurance company, GEICO, to provide employment opportunities in Stafford County, acquiring land for the Stafford campus of the University of Mary Washington, and approving Celebrate Virginia; and

WHEREAS, as a member of the Board of Supervisors for nearly two decades, Ferris Belman made a lasting impact on the lives of countless Stafford County residents and was beloved by his colleagues and constituents for his gentlemanly demeanor and ever-present smile; and

WHEREAS, Ferris Belman enjoyed fellowship and worship as a lifelong member of the Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, and he was active in the Fredericksburg Masonic Lodge No. 4; and

WHEREAS, Ferris Belman will be fondly remembered by his wife of 65 years, Edna; his five sons, Ferris, Jr., Robert, David, Rodger, Matthew, and their families; and countless other family members, friends, and members of the Fredericksburg and Stafford County communities; 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 Ferris M. Belman, Sr., a dedicated public servant in Fredericksburg and Stafford County; 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 Ferris M. Belman, Sr., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.