2026 SESSION

ENROLLED

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 35

Celebrating the life of Palmer Leslie Griffith, Jr.

Agreed to by the Senate, January 15, 2026

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 19, 2026

WHEREAS, Palmer Leslie Griffith, Jr., a former public servant and iconic restauranteur in Christiansburg, died on September 13, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Palmer “Dude” Griffith worked in a local funeral home and ambulance service and served the community as a member of the Christiansburg Rescue Squad for two decades; and

WHEREAS, desirous to be of further service, Dude Griffith ran for and was elected to the Christiansburg Town Council and worked to enhance the quality of life of his fellow residents for many years; and

WHEREAS, Dude Griffith was best known as the founder and owner of Dude's Drive-In, a local landmark that since 1978 has served delicious American fare, such as freshly pressed hamburgers and homemade chili; and

WHEREAS, Dude's Drive-In became a beloved community meeting place through Dude Griffith's vision, passion, and personal warmth; and

WHEREAS, over the years, Dude Griffith made many other contributions to his community, and he enjoyed fellowship and worship with the congregation of Laurel Hill Church of Christ; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Jackie, Dude Griffith will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his children, Cheryl and Blake, 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 Palmer Leslie Griffith, Jr., a pillar of the Christiansburg community; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Palmer Leslie Griffith, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.