WHEREAS, Harry Clarke "Duke" Curtis, a well-known and respected businessman and beloved member of the Roanoke community, died on December 23, 2019; and

WHEREAS, born and raised in Roanoke, Duke Curtis graduated from William Fleming High School in 1975 and John Tyler Community College in 1978 before joining the family business full time at Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home; and

WHEREAS, beginning his career at Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home as a teenager washing cars, Duke Curtis would ultimately take the helm of the business his father started, holding the position of president from 2003 until he retired in 2019; and

WHEREAS, at Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home, Duke Curtis provided compassionate service for over four decades, becoming a leading figure in the community that others could dependably turn to in their time of need; and

WHEREAS, Duke Curtis was a leader in his industry, having served previously as president of the Virginia Morticians' Association and on the board of the National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association; and

WHEREAS, valued for his wisdom and guidance, Duke Curtis also held leadership roles with several community organizations, including positions on the SunTrust Advisory Board, the United Way of Roanoke Valley Board of Directors, and the New Horizons Healthcare Center Board of Directors, of which he was chairman; and

WHEREAS, committed to encouraging the youth of Roanoke to live healthy, active lives, Duke Curtis served on the board of the former Hunton YWCA and coached several recreational football, basketball, and baseball teams; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his years of service, innumerable achievements, and inspiring character, the Roanoke branch of the NAACP awarded Duke Curtis a Lifetime Achievement Award at its 21st Annual Citizen of the Year Awards Program on May 31, 2019; and

WHEREAS, guided by his abiding faith to help others, Duke Curtis enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at High Street Baptist Church in Roanoke, where he was vice chair of the High Street Baptist Church Deacon Ministry and chairman of the High Street Baptist Church Credit Union; and

WHEREAS, Duke Curtis will be dearly remembered and sorely missed by his loving wife, Patricia; children, Tiffany and Patrick, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; 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 Harry Clarke Curtis, an admired businessman and community leader of Roanoke who worked tirelessly for others; and, be it

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