WHEREAS, Ralph H. Dean, the beloved mayor of the Town of Luray for 28 years, died on June 5, 2009; and

WHEREAS, born on March 28, 1930, to Howard E. and Bertha Lee Miller Dean, Ralph Dean grew up on a small farm, where he enjoyed playing baseball and spending time outdoors; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Dean graduated from Stanley High School, where he played many sports and met his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Billie; and

WHEREAS, after graduation, Ralph Dean proudly served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Missouri, and after his discharge, Ralph Dean took printing classes under the GI Bill; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Dean went to work for the Page News and Courier and stayed there for 37 years; he worked his way up from assistant press operator to sports editor to advertising manager before his retirement in 1992; and

WHEREAS, desirous to be of service to his fellow citizens, Ralph Dean ran for and was elected to the Luray Town Council in 1974 and became mayor in 1980; he gladly served until his retirement in 2008; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Dean loved his community and was active in the Luray Lions Club, VFW Post 621, and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 14; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Dean was especially supportive of the area's youth; he often attended games at Luray High School and served as a Boy Scout leader for 27 years; and

WHEREAS, known for his straightforward manner and sense of humor, Ralph Dean worked for decades to ensure the well-being of those in Luray and leaves behind a legacy of service to his family and community; and

WHEREAS, Ralph Dean will be fondly remembered for his kind and generous nature and greatly missed by his loving wife, Billie; daughter, Dixie; grandson, Patrick; and the citizens of the Town of Luray; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly note with great sadness the loss of a beloved public servant, Ralph H. Dean; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Ralph H. Dean as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.