WHEREAS, Percy Plemmer, Jr., of Roanoke, a devoted husband and father, a United States veteran, and a man who selflessly gave back to his community, died on February 11, 2012; and

WHEREAS, Percy Plemmer was born in Tarboro, North Carolina, the oldest son in a family of 11 children whose parents were tenant farmers, and Percy spent many hours working alongside them in tobacco and cotton fields; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from high school, Percy Plemmer enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country for three years; he was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant; and

WHEREAS, Percy Plemmer earned a bachelor's degree from North Carolina Central University after completing his military service; he returned to the same university for graduate work, receiving a master's degree in counseling; and

WHEREAS, Percy Plemmer spent his professional career with Burlington Industries, a textile firm, where he was assistant personnel manager and a valued employee for 20 years; and

WHEREAS, after retiring, Percy Plemmer remained active in his community; he served as a mentor and academic coach to young people; additionally, he drew on his background in counseling and human resources as an in-school suspension coordinator at Lucy Addison Middle School, and he was a golf instructor for less-privileged children; and

WHEREAS, in continuing his tradition of giving back to his community, Percy Plemmer served on the boards of the Fifth District Employment and Training Consortium and the Harrison Museum of African American Culture; he was a 32nd degree Mason with the Alleghany Dunbar Lodge #109; and

WHEREAS, Percy Plemmer was a man of strong faith; he was a member of First Baptist Church, serving as chairman of the board of trustees for four years; he was a deacon-in-training, sang in the Male Chorus, and was highly regarded for his pig roasting skills, which were on display during the church's Jubilee Day celebrations; and

WHEREAS, throughout his life, Percy Plemmer embodied the values that sustain the Commonwealth's vitality and competitiveness—his work ethic, his strong sense of community, his charitable endeavors, and his devotion to his family and his faith; and

WHEREAS, those remaining to fondly remember Percy Plemmer include Dorothy, his wife of 45 years; their daughters, Angelita and Janel, and their families; and many other family members, friends, and colleagues; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of an inspiring and selfless counselor, advisor, mentor, father, and husband, Percy Plemmer, Jr.; 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 Percy Plemmer, Jr., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.