2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25104868D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 554

Offered January 27, 2025

Celebrating the life of Major General John Dean Taylor, VDF, Ret.

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Patron—Wachsmann

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WHEREAS, Major General John Dean Taylor, VDF, Ret., a longtime member of the Virginia Army National Guard and the former commanding general of the Virginia Defense Force, died on January 5, 2025; and

WHEREAS, a lifelong resident of Greensville County and Emporia, John Dean Taylor graduated from Greensville County High School and studied at Chowan University before enrolling at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), where he met his future wife, Shirley; and

WHEREAS, John Dean Taylor earned three degrees from Virginia Tech, including a doctorate in plant pathology, then worked with Shirley to establish several successful agricultural businesses over the years; and

WHEREAS, John Dean Taylor began his military career with the local Virginia Army National Guard unit in Emporia and completed assignments as a field artillery officer, a helicopter pilot, and as a staff officer at the Pentagon, ultimately rising to the rank of colonel; and

WHEREAS, after his retirement from the Virginia Army National Guard, John Dean Taylor was selected as the commanding general of the Virginia Defense Force, the all-volunteer reserve of the Virginia National Guard, and worked diligently to help the organization fulfill its mission through his outstanding leadership and commitment to excellence; and

WHEREAS, outside of his career, John Dean Taylor enjoyed working on his farm and gave generously of his time and talents to support people in need; and

WHEREAS, John Dean Taylor will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 50 years, Shirley; his children, Stacey, Justin, and Jason, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Major General John Dean Taylor, VDF, Ret., an esteemed member of the Greensville County and Emporia communities; 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 Major General John Dean Taylor, VDF, Ret., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.