WHEREAS, John Arthur Brumit of Buena Vista, a respected pastor and mentor who touched countless lives in Southwest Virginia through his spiritual leadership, sage guidance, and devoted friendship, died on December 21, 2015; and WHEREAS, a native of Kingsport, Tennessee, John Arthur "Art" Brumit graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School, where he was a standout football player, and earned a bachelor's degree from Memphis State University; and WHEREAS, Art Brumit answered the call to ministry in 1969 and pastored several churches throughout Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, including churches in Bristol and Chilhowie; he was the beloved pastor of Blue Ridge Baptist Church in Buena Vista for 26 years; and WHEREAS, as pastor of Blue Ridge Baptist Church, Art Brumit hosted missionaries, evangelists, and visiting pastors; he led the area's annual Jubilee meetings and led a Vacation Bible School each summer; and WHEREAS, known as "the county's pastor," Art Brumit was active in communities throughout and near Rockbridge County, performing countless weddings, counseling individuals and families in need, and ministering to the sick; he lived his faith through his actions and was a trusted mentor to all in the community, even to those who were not affiliated with the church; and WHEREAS, a patriotic citizen who was proud of his heritage, John Brumit led the local National Day of Prayer for many years and served the community by hosting or providing spiritual support at local events and festivals; and WHEREAS, John Brumit will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 51 years, Barbara; sons, John II, Robert, David, and Stephen, 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 John Arthur Brumit, an admired spiritual leader, mentor, and friend to many in Southwest Virginia; 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 John Arthur Brumit as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory. |