2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26106684D

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 176

Offered March 4, 2026

Celebrating the life of Edward Phillip Hickman, Jr.

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Patron—DeSteph

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WHEREAS, Edward Phillip Hickman, Jr., esteemed co-owner of Dublin Farms in Horntown and a beloved member of the Accomack County community, died on January 23, 2024; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from the former Atlantic High School in Accomack County, Edward “Phil” Hickman earned a bachelor's degree in agriculture economics in 1974 from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, where he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity; and

WHEREAS, as a fourth generation potato farmer, Phil Hickman formed a partnership with his brother, David Hickman, to establish the Dublin Farms brand of potatoes in 1973; and

WHEREAS, with a great work ethic and knowledge for business, Phil Hickman helped to grow and develop Dublin Farms into a world-class potato farming operation known throughout the eastern United States; and

WHEREAS, after retiring as president of Dublin Farms, Inc., in September 2022, Phil Hickman continued to support the farm in his capacity as a consultant and advisor to the next generation of the Hickman family, who continue to handle the farm's operations; and

WHEREAS, Phil Hickman received multiple gubernatorial appointments to the State Seed Potato Board, on which he served for 18 years, including five years as chair; and

WHEREAS, Phil Hickman was highly admired in the agricultural sector, serving as a member of the Accomack Committee for the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency and what is today known as Potatoes USA, where he had served as a board member and board chair; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of Phil Hickman's expertise, leadership, and lasting legacy, the chief executive officer of Potatoes USA, Blair Richardson, traveled from Denver, Colorado, to present the Hickman family with a memorial plaque; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, Phil Hickman enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Horntown United Methodist Church; and

WHEREAS, Phil Hickman will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of 52 years, Sandy; his son, Phillip, and his family; 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 Edward Phillip Hickman, Jr., a cherished member of the Accomack County community whose legacy will be an inspiration to others for generations to come; and, be it

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