2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26106865D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 166

Offered February 25, 2026

Celebrating the life of Colonel Lewis Ingles Jeffries, USA, Ret.

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Patron—Ballard

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WHEREAS, Colonel Lewis Ingles Jeffries, USA, Ret., an honorable veteran, distinguished historian and preservationist, accomplished cattle farmer, and beloved member of the Radford community, died on January 20, 2026; and

WHEREAS, after attending Radford City Schools in his youth, Colonel Lewis “Bud” Ingles Jeffries, USA, Ret., earned a bachelor's degree in animal science in 1964 from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, where he was the regimental executive officer of the Corps of Cadets and the distinguished military graduate of the Class of 1964; and

WHEREAS, after graduating, Bud Jeffries was commissioned in the United States Army; he completed tours of duty at the U.S. Army's Airborne School, Ranger School, and Pathfinder School and served his country with honor and distinction in the Vietnam War as a member of the Field Artillery Battalion, First Cavalry Division between 1967 and 1968; and

WHEREAS, Bud Jeffries was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action during the Tet Offensive and the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service in recognition of his bravery and valor in combat; and

WHEREAS, Bud Jeffries' nearly 27-year military career took him around the country and globe, and after receiving a master's degree in public administration from Shippensburg University, he attended the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he was later promoted to the rank of colonel and named the college's director of academic operations; and

WHEREAS, after retiring from the military in 1991, Bud Jeffries returned to the Ingles ancestral home, Ingleside, in Radford, where he ultimately established a pasture-based cattle operation; and

WHEREAS, Bud Jeffries was the proud descendent of William and Mary Draper Ingles, colonial Virginians who figured prominently in the history of the French and Indian War, and he worked tirelessly to research and share their story; and

WHEREAS, Bud Jeffries was a noted train scholar who published two editions of a book about the Norfolk and Western Railway, N & W: Giant of Steam, regarded by many as the preeminent source on the subject; and

WHEREAS, Bud Jeffries served as chair of the Norfolk & Western Historical Society and contributed to the study of train history by regularly publishing articles and giving lectures, presentations, and interviews; in 2015, the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke named him the official historian for the Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 locomotive; and

WHEREAS, Bud Jeffries made an impact in his community through his service as a member of the New River Land Trust Board of Directors, executive director of the Radford Main Street program, and founding member and first chairman of the Radford Heritage Foundation; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, Bud Jeffries enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Grace Episcopal Church in Radford, where he was on the vestry and served as a senior warden and trustee; and

WHEREAS, Bud Jeffries will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of 56 years, Mary Ann; his children, Jennifer and John, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Colonel Lewis Ingles Jeffries, USA, Ret., a cherished member of the Radford community whose service and dedication inspired all who knew him; 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 Colonel Lewis Ingles Jeffries, USA, Ret., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.