2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26106924D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 119

Offered February 13, 2026

Commending the Honorable John J. Davies III.

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Patron—Laufer

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WHEREAS, the Honorable John J. Davies III, an esteemed attorney and a pillar of the Culpeper community who has touched countless lives through his commitment to servant leadership, retired in 2024; and

WHEREAS, a proud, lifelong resident of Culpeper, the Honorable John “Butch” J. Davies III began practicing law in Culpeper shortly after graduating from Randolph-Macon College and the University of Richmond School of Law; and

WHEREAS, in 1974, Butch Davies cofounded the law firm Davies, Barrell, Will, Lewellyn & Edwards, PLC, and served the Culpeper community as an attorney for five decades; and

WHEREAS, Butch Davies was a member of the Virginia State Bar, the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, and the Culpeper County Bar Association, as well as president of the Piedmont Bar Association and a fellow of the Virginia Law Foundation; and

WHEREAS, Butch Davies has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to community service, providing his leadership and expertise to scores of legal, professional, civic, and charitable organizations, boards, and committees; and

WHEREAS, at the state level, Butch Davies served as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1992 to 1999 and offered his legal acumen to the Board of Conservation and Recreation, the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the Virginia State Crime Commission, the Department of Transportation, the Downtown Development Association Board, the Division of Purchases and Supply Appeals Board, and the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program State Advisory Board, among others; and

WHEREAS, Butch Davies enhanced cultural life and education in the region by supporting the Bluemont Concert Series, the Ashlawn Highland Opera Summer Festival, the Blue Ridge Community Orchestra, the Culpeper Historical Society, the Madison Historical Society, the James Madison Museum, the Madison County Education Foundation, and the Germanna Community College Educational Foundation; and

WHEREAS, Butch Davies helped protect the Commonwealth's vital natural resources through his work with the Piedmont Environmental Council and was a champion for health and wellness through the Culpeper Mental Health Association Board, the Culpeper Regional Hospital Board, and the American Cancer Society Board; and

WHEREAS, Butch Davies fostered regional growth and economic development as a member of the Culpeper County Chamber of Commerce Board, the Culpeper United Revitalization Effort, Inc., and the Culpeper Downtown Merchants' Association Board and as president of Culpeper Renaissance, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, Butch Davies supported a wide range of service organizations, including Rapidan Habitat for Humanity, the United Way of Virginia, Culpeper United Way, and two local Lions Club chapters; he also served as a member of the vestry at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church for several years; and

WHEREAS, admired as a true Virginia gentleman, Butch Davies is well known for his wisdom, integrity, humility, and unwavering devotion to enhancing the lives of others; and

WHEREAS, among countless awards and accolades, Butch Davies has been recognized as a Culpeper Colonel, served as an honorary grand marshal in the Culpeper Fourth of July Parade, and received the prestigious L.B. Henretty Memorial Outstanding Citizen Award from the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Honorable John J. Davies III, a respected attorney and community leader, hereby be commended on the occasion of his retirement; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Honorable John J. Davies III as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for his personal and professional achievements in service to the residents of Culpeper and the Commonwealth.