Bill Text: VA SJR167 | 2020 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of the Honorable Kossen Gregory.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2020-03-03 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ167ER) [SJR167 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2020-SJR167-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, the Honorable Kossen Gregory, a former delegate of the Commonwealth and a cherished member of the Roanoke community, died on June 29, 2019; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from Hampden-Sydney College magna cum laude, Kossen Gregory volunteered for officer training at the United States Naval Reserve Midshipmen's School in Chicago, earning a commission as an ensign; and
WHEREAS, during World War II, Kossen Gregory served his country on destroyer duty with the Atlantic Fleet, as an instructor at the United States Naval Reserve Midshipmen's School in Chicago, and with Special Services in the Pacific Theater; and
WHEREAS, completing his service in 1946, Kossen Gregory attended the University of Virginia School of Law, where he was class president, chair of the Honor Committee, and a member of the prestigious Raven Society; and
WHEREAS, joining the Roanoke firm of Burks, Woodrum & Staples in 1948, Kossen Gregory would practice law for the next 15 years, during which time he served five consecutive terms in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1953 to 1963; and
WHEREAS, a member of a new generation of delegates referred to as the "Young Turks," Kossen Gregory helped lead the Commonwealth through a turbulent period in its history in ways that would transform the state for years to come; and
WHEREAS, as the last surviving member of the Perrow Commission, which was responsible for establishing a legislative plan to end Virginia's massive resistance policy, Kossen Gregory played a role in the ultimately peaceful desegregation of the Commonwealth's schools; and
WHEREAS, concluding his legislative service and law practice in 1963, Kossen Gregory embarked upon a prosperous business career, serving for many years as president and chief executive officer of General Stone and Materials Corporation and later as president of Southern Stone Industries, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Kossen Gregory was an engaged member of his community and held membership with several local civic and professional organizations, including the Kiwanis Club of Roanoke, the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Roanoke Bar Association; and
WHEREAS, guided throughout life by his deep and abiding faith, Kossen Gregory was an active member of St. John's Episcopal Church, where he enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community for more than 75 years; and
WHEREAS, preceded in death by his son, Kossen, Jr., Kossen Gregory will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his beloved wife of 76 years, Sarah; his daughters, Elizabeth and Martha, and their families; and numerous family members, friends, and colleagues on both sides of the aisle; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of the Honorable Kossen Gregory, an esteemed veteran, attorney, statesmen, businessman, and friend, who touched countless lives in the Roanoke community; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of the Honorable Kossen Gregory as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.
