WHEREAS, Richard L. Sharp of Richmond, a successful entrepreneur, businessman, and philanthropist who used his vision and creativity to lead two prominent, nationwide retailers, died on June 24, 2014; and

WHEREAS, a native of Alexandria, Richard Sharp studied electrical engineering at the University of Virginia and computer science at The College of William and Mary; he later attended the Harvard Business School advanced management program; and

WHEREAS, a brilliant inventor and innovator, Richard Sharp founded and led a custom hardware and software development business at the age of 27; and

WHEREAS, in 1982, Richard Sharp joined Circuit City as executive vice president and helped the company grow from a midsized chain with less than 70 stores to a one-time national powerhouse with over 600 locations; he became chief executive officer in 1986 and oversaw unprecedented growth in sales and revenue; and

WHEREAS, Richard Sharp worked with a team at Circuit City to create CarMax, a highly successful chain of used car superstores that revolutionized the industry; under his leadership, CarMax became an independent company and expanded to over 130 locations in almost 50 markets around the country; and

WHEREAS, possessed of an entrepreneurial spirit, Richard Sharp also served as a founder or leader in other business endeavors, including home security, heating and air conditioning, and furniture sales; he was a founding investor in Crocs, Inc., and helped guide the company to achieve worldwide recognition; and

WHEREAS, a generous and compassionate man, Richard Sharp supported many charitable causes, including organizations supporting Alzheimer's disease research; and

WHEREAS, Richard Sharp earned several awards and accolades for his work, and he was inducted into the Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame in 2008; and

WHEREAS, Richard Sharp will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 45 years, Sherry; his two daughters, Donna and April, and their families; and numerous other family members, friends, and colleagues; 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 Richard L. Sharp, a respected businessman and philanthropist in Richmond; 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 Richard L. Sharp as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.