2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26108446D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 345

Offered March 9, 2026

Celebrating the life of Wesley Thomas Worsham.

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Patrons—McGuire, Ballard and Franklin, L.V.

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WHEREAS, Wesley Thomas Worsham, an honorable veteran, esteemed businessman, dedicated philanthropist, and beloved member of the Richmond County community, died on February 10, 2026; and

WHEREAS, growing up the youngest of 11 children on a small tobacco farm in Powhatan, Wesley “Wes” Thomas Worsham learned the meaning of hard work and responsibility at a young age; and

WHEREAS, Wes Worsham volunteered with the United States Army on his 17th birthday and was on the front lines of the Korean War a year later with the 25th Infantry Division's 35th Infantry Regiment; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his service and sacrifice, including time spent as a prisoner of war, Wes Worsham was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with V device, the Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantryman Badge, among other medals; and

WHEREAS, a steadfast supporter and advocate for his fellow veterans, Wes Worsham was part of a group of 40 veterans who formed the Korean War Veterans Association, which spearheaded the establishment of the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS, Wes Worsham found extraordinary success in business in the fire protection and sprinkler industry, establishing a number of successful sprinkler companies, including Worsham Sprinkler, and by opening Mechanicsville Auto Parts and investing in real estate; and

WHEREAS, Wes Worsham's pastimes included boating, fishing, hunting, and cheering on the football team at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech); and

WHEREAS, Wes Worsham was one of the Virginia Tech football program's most prominent benefactors over the years, and the field at Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium was named in his honor; and

WHEREAS, Wes Worsham made an outsized impact on the community through his involvement with several organizations and associations, including the American Legion, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Virginia Tech Foundation, the Virginia Tech Athletic Fund, and the Ut Prosim Society; and

WHEREAS, Wes Worsham will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of more than 50 years, Janet; his children, Wayne, Angela, Stephanie, and Melanie, 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 Wesley Thomas Worsham, a respected businessman and philanthropist whose kindness and generosity touched countless lives; 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 Wesley Thomas Worsham as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.