WHEREAS, Ronald Bowen Watson, an accomplished craftsman and businessman and a beloved member of the Hopewell community, died on January 25, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Ronald Watson worked admirably for more than 30 years as a millwright with the former Allied Chemical Corporation, contributing greatly to the company's success; and

WHEREAS, Ronald Watson was licensed by the United States Coast Guard to operate as a tug boat captain and served the local marine industry as the owner of James River Towing Company; and

WHEREAS, dedicated to the well-being of his community, Ronald Watson was a member of the Hopewell Optimist Club for 60 years, during which time he held nearly every leadership position, including president, and was a regular presence at the organization's various fundraisers; and

WHEREAS, Ronald Watson was at home in the outdoors and relished every opportunity to hunt, camp, and fish, especially at his cherished Cape Hatteras; and

WHEREAS, a devoted husband and father, Ronald Watson was happiest when spending time with his large and ever-growing family; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, Ronald Watson enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at First United Methodist Church in Hopewell for 76 years; and

WHEREAS, Ronald Watson will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife, Viola; his children, Rhonda, Vicki, Michael, and Wendy, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Ronald Bowen Watson, whose hard-working and caring nature was an inspiration to all who knew him; 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 Ronald Bowen Watson as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.