Bill Text: VA SJR395 | 2019 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of T. Rodman Layman.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2019-04-03 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ395ER) [SJR395 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2019-SJR395-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, T. Rodman Layman, a respected attorney and civic leader in Pulaski County, died on October 27, 2018; and
WHEREAS, a native of Troutville, Rodman "Rod" Layman grew up in Rockbridge County and Blacksburg; he graduated from Blacksburg High School and Bridgewater College and was a standout track and field athlete at both schools; and
WHEREAS, Rod Layman served his country as a member of the United States Army, then earned a master's degree from Indiana University and a law degree from the University of Richmond; he taught government at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) before joining the Crowell-Nuckols law firm and serving as a United States District Attorney in the 1960s; and
WHEREAS, desirous to be of further service to the Commonwealth, Rod Layman ran for seats in the Virginia House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia in the 1960s; while his campaigns were unsuccessful, he was appointed as chair of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission shortly thereafter; and
WHEREAS, Rod Layman was subsequently appointed as Secretary of Public Safety under Governor John Dalton; he served in that capacity until 1982, when he returned to Pulaski to continue practicing law; and
WHEREAS, Rod Layman was active in the Pulaski County community, offering his wise leadership to the Pulaski County Republican Party, the Pulaski County Touchdown Club, and the Rotary Club of Pulaski; and
WHEREAS, a lifelong fan and benefactor of Virginia Tech, Rod Layman served on the institution's Board of Visitors from 1995 to 2004; he reached Golden Hokie status in the Hokie Club and was a longtime season-ticket holder who attended 26 football bowl games; and
WHEREAS, a man of deep and abiding faith, Rod Layman enjoyed fellowship and worship in the Pulaski community as a member of First United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday school and sang in the choir; and
WHEREAS, Rod Layman will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of nearly 54 years, Barbara; his sons, Geoff and Matt, 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 T. Rodman Layman; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of T. Rodman Layman as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.
