WHEREAS, Douglas Corneil Sumblin, a trailblazing restaurateur and a man of deep and abiding faith, who brought joy to others through his love of song and his delicious soul food, died on February 9, 2018; and

WHEREAS, a native of Franklin, Douglas Sumblin graduated from Franklin High School, continued his education at Virginia Union University, and earned a travel agent certification from Old Dominion University and a hotel management certification from a training school in Maryland; and

WHEREAS, Douglas Sumblin developed his passion for entrepreneurship at a young age while working at local businesses in Franklin, began his career in the hotel industry at a Holiday Inn in Suffolk, and later became a general manager or assistant manager of several hotels in Virginia and Georgia; and

WHEREAS, Douglas Sumblin's true passion was for cooking; he founded Catering by Douglas while in Georgia and worked as a corporate trainer for Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores throughout the country; and

WHEREAS, in 2012, Douglas Sumblin fulfilled his lifelong dream to open a restaurant in his hometown, Mr. D's Southern Kitchen and Catering; when the restaurant relocated in 2014, he became the first African American business owner on Main Street in historic Downtown Franklin; and

WHEREAS, Mr. D's Southern Kitchen and Catering was well-known for its lovingly prepared meals and excellent customer service; Douglas Sumblin also strengthened the community by offering meals to the homeless at no charge and by delivering meals to sick or shut-in residents; and

WHEREAS, Douglas Sumblin's generous actions were guided by his strong faith, and he was an active member and leader of several congregations in Virginia and Georgia throughout his life; after returning home to Franklin, he was especially active in music ministries and outreach to members of the community in need; and

WHEREAS, Douglas Sumblin will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by numerous family members and friends and the entire Franklin community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Douglas Corneil Sumblin; 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 Douglas Corneil Sumblin as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.