Bill Text: VA HR787 | 2021 | 2nd Special Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Vernon Ray Hancock.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 10-0)
Status: (Passed) 2021-08-05 - Bill text as passed House (HR787ER) [HR787 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2021-HR787-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Vernon Ray Hancock, an honorable veteran, esteemed mathematics professor at Emory & Henry College, and beloved member of the Washington County community, died on June 19, 2021; and
WHEREAS, in 1943, while still attending Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Ray Hancock enlisted with the United States Army, which directed him to complete his high school studies and to take engineering classes at Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI), known today as Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; and
WHEREAS, Ray Hancock served as a clerk typist in France following World War II and was honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1946 after achieving the rank of technician fourth grade; and
WHEREAS, upon completing his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering at VPI, Ray Hancock set his sights on a career as a college mathematics professor, earning a graduate degree from Johns Hopkins University before returning to VPI to serve as an instructor; and
WHEREAS, Ray Hancock subsequently earned a doctoral degree in mathematics from Tulane University and, after a brief return to VPI, ultimately accepted a position as the chair of the mathematics department at Emory & Henry College, where he served until his retirement in 1991 and remained active for many years thereafter as a professor emeritus; and
WHEREAS, Ray Hancock was a vibrant and engaged member of his community who dedicated himself to serving others by volunteering through the Boy Scouts of America, the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, the Emory United Methodist Church, and the Washington County Republican Party; and
WHEREAS, guided by his faith, Ray Hancock enjoyed worship and fellowship throughout his life with congregations of the United Methodist Church in Baltimore, Blacksburg, New Orleans, and Emory; and
WHEREAS, preceded in death by his loving wife of more than 50 years, Ruth, Ray Hancock will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his children, Dale and Clark, and their families, and by numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Vernon Ray Hancock, a cherished member of the Emory community whose kindness and generosity touched countless lives; 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 Vernon Ray Hancock as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.