2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26101676D

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 149

Offered March 2, 2026

Celebrating the life of the Honorable Wyatt Beazley Durrette, Jr.

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Patrons—Stuart, Diggs, Durant, McDougle and Obenshain; Delegates: Fowler, Hodges, Kent, Morefield, O'Quinn, Scott, P.A. and Ware

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WHEREAS, the Honorable Wyatt Beazley Durrette, Jr., a respected attorney and former public servant who represented the residents of Fairfax County in the House of Delegates, died on September 30, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Wyatt Durrette grew up in Franklin, where he was a multisport athlete at Franklin High School; he continued his education at Virginia Military Institute, graduating as president of the class of 1961; he then earned a law degree cum laude from Washington and Lee University where he was editor of the Law Review and chair of the Moot Court Program; and

WHEREAS, a passionate lifelong learner, Wyatt Durrette also earned a master's degree in political science from Johns Hopkins University and considered a career as a political science professor before joining the United States Air Force as an officer in the Judge Advocate General's Corps; and

WHEREAS, after serving his country, Wyatt Durrette began practicing law in Fairfax and held leadership roles in various businesses over the years, including a defense contractor and a property management firm; and

WHEREAS, desirous to be of further service, Wyatt Durrette ran for and was elected to the House of Delegates in 1971 and represented the residents of Fairfax County in the 18th District for three terms; he introduced and supported numerous pieces of legislation to benefit all Virginians and worked diligently to enhance the quality of life throughout the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, after retiring from public office, Wyatt Durrette resumed the practice of law with his namesake law firm that started in Fairfax and continues to this day in Richmond; his name is synonymous with the highest legal and ethical standards, and he was revered by clients, colleagues, and opposing counsel; and

WHEREAS, Wyatt Durrette and his wife, Dr. Monica Durrette, lived in Chesterfield County and kept a summer home in Deltaville; they ultimately settled in Urbanna in 2014, and he was an active member of every community he joined; and

WHEREAS, Wyatt Durrette was unwavering in his devotion to his beloved wife of 32 years, Dr. Monica Durrette; children, Debbie, Dawn, Dea, Wyatt III, Brandon, Shannon, Zachery, Joshua, and stepdaughter, Sarah, and their respective families; Wyatt Durrette is remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Dr. Monica Durrette; and numerous other family members, friends, and colleagues on both sides of the aisle; 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 the Honorable Wyatt Beazley Durrette, Jr., an esteemed public servant; and, be it

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