2025 SESSION

ENROLLED

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 869

Commending Paul L. Wilson, Sr.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 21, 2025

WHEREAS, Paul L. Wilson, Sr., a proud veteran and a loyal member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, has made numerous contributions to the Portsmouth community; and

WHEREAS, born in Roanoke, Paul Wilson spent part of his childhood in Virginia Beach and graduated from Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS, Paul Wilson was drafted into the military during World War II and again during the Korean War, earning a Bronze Star and serving the nation with distinction; and

WHEREAS, Paul Wilson earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Virginia Union University and worked as a chemist for most of his career; he retired from Norfolk Naval Shipyard as head of the chemistry department in 1987; and

WHEREAS, Paul Wilson was initiated in the Zeta Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in Portsmouth in 1962; he was honored as a life member and has held numerous leadership roles in the fraternity, including as basileus of his chapter and as a regional supervisor overseeing seven chapters; and

WHEREAS, Paul Wilson is an inspiration to the Zeta Iota Chapter as he is one of the oldest chapter members who faithfully attends fraternal functions even with a busy personal schedule; and

WHEREAS, in 2023, Paul Wilson was honored as the first Black American to serve as marshal of the Virginia Beach Veteran's Day Parade; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Paul L. Wilson, Sr., hereby be commended for his lifetime of service to his community, his country, and his Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Paul L. Wilson, Sr., as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for his achievements.