2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25106701D

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 385

Offered February 13, 2025

Celebrating the life of Richard Morris Bagby Rennolds.

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Patron—McDougle

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WHEREAS, Richard Morris Bagby Rennolds, an esteemed historic preservationist and education leader and beloved member of the Richmond community, died on December 7, 2024, in Richmond, Virginia; and

WHEREAS, a 14th generation Virginian and 10th generation native of Essex County, Richard Rennolds grew up on his family's farm in Rexburg and graduated from The College of William & Mary; and

WHEREAS, Richard Rennolds began a distinguished career dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the Commonwealth with what was formerly the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, where he held various prominent roles, including director of development, director of Bacon's Castle in Surry County, and assistant director of the Historic Jamestown Settlement; and

WHEREAS, Richard Rennolds' renown in the area of historic preservation led him to play a substantial role in the preservation of several significant properties both in the Commonwealth and along the East Coast, including the Armistead House in Colonial Williamsburg, Menokin in Warsaw, and Eagle's Nest in Charles City County; and

WHEREAS, Richard Rennolds' passion for historic homes brought him back to Tappahannock in 1980, and through several years of hard work, he restored Emerson's Ordinary on Water Lane, an early 1700s structure, into a functioning tavern; and

WHEREAS, Richard Rennolds was a devoted student of genealogy and history and enjoyed life memberships with several honored societies, including the Jamestown Society, First Families of Virginia, Sons of the Revolution, the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, and the Saint Andrew's Society, which connected him to his family's proud Scottish heritage; and

WHEREAS, in later years, Richard Rennolds supported the growth and success of academic institutions in the Commonwealth, first as the director of development at Saint Margaret's School in Tappahannock and then at Richard Bland College of The College of William & Mary; and

WHEREAS, Richard Rennolds gave generously of his time to support and mentor young adults in myriad ways, helping them to make their way through college and achieve rewarding and fulfilling careers; and

WHEREAS, Richard Rennolds will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his sons, Richard II and Davis, and their families; his longtime partner, Robyn Cartwright; 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 Richard Morris Bagby Rennolds, a cherished member of the Richmond community whose dedication and service made an impact on countless lives; and, be it

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