WHEREAS, Donald Lynn Meredith of Fincastle, a member of the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors and the beloved former head basketball coach at Lord Botetourt High School from 1976 to 1995, died on January 8, 2010; and

WHEREAS, a native of Botetourt County, Don Meredith was the son of the late Lonnie Ellis Meredith and Laura Belle Meredith; he graduated from Fincastle High School and attended Ferrum College and Lynchburg College; and

WHEREAS, a lifelong resident of Fincastle, Don Meredith was a second-generation farmer who first operated a dairy farm and then raised cattle for beef on his 600-acre family farm; and

WHEREAS, Don Meredith taught in the classroom and coached basketball in the public schools of Floyd, Bedford, and Botetourt Counties; he retired from coaching with over 340 wins; and

WHEREAS, legendary not only as a gifted basketball coach but also for his courtside antics, Coach Meredith would at times protest an official's call by throwing his jacket into the bleachers or by lying on the gymnasium floor to get a referee's "view of a foul"; and

WHEREAS, a coach at Lord Botetourt High School for 19 years, Don Meredith led the Cavaliers to eight Blue Ridge District championships, 11 appearances in regional tournaments, and two trips to the Virginia High School League Group AA state finals; and

WHEREAS, committed to the prosperity and well-being of Botetourt County, Don Meredith was elected by the citizens of the Fincastle District and served two terms as a member of the Board of Supervisors; and

WHEREAS, over the years, Don Meredith received many awards and accolades for his many contributions to coaching and to his community, including being inducted into the Ferrum College and Lord Botetourt High School sports halls of fame; and

WHEREAS, Don Meredith will be fondly remembered for his passion for basketball and for his devotion to his family and will be greatly missed by his wife, Betty Jo Meredith; his daughters, Deborah Funderburke and husband, Mark, and Christie Wills and husband, Stephen; his stepsons, Jeffery, Travis, and Chad Vance; his grandson, Jackson Wills; and numerous good friends and admirers in Botetourt County; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of a fine coach, an effective local leader, and an outstanding Virginian, Donald Lynn Meredith; 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 Donald Lynn Meredith as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.