WHEREAS, William Elry Gilbert of Roanoke, a veteran, civil rights activist, and educator, died on March 7, 2014; and

WHEREAS, a native of Roanoke, William "Billy" Elry Gilbert attended Roanoke City Public Schools and enlisted in the United States Army after graduating from Lucy Addison High School; and

WHEREAS, serving as a paratrooper for three years, Billy Gilbert completed 34 parachute jumps; after finishing his military service, he earned a bachelor's degree from Bluefield College and master's degrees from the City University of New York system; and

WHEREAS, while attending college, Billy Gilbert courageously participated in civil rights demonstrations at segregated hotels, restaurants, and public facilities; and

WHEREAS, Billy Gilbert helped prepare students for further education, careers, and responsible citizenship as an educator and administrator in the New York City Public School system for over three decades; he also worked as a recreation therapist at the New York State Department of Mental Hygiene; and

WHEREAS, Billy Gilbert worked to enhance the community by donating his time and wisdom as an active member of many civic and service organizations, and he enjoyed fellowship and worship as a longtime member of Sweet Union Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, Billy Gilbert will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by numerous 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 William Elry Gilbert, a veteran, civil rights activist, and educator; 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 William Elry Gilbert as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.