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SJ 379

Celebrating the life of the Honorable Walter Benjamin Keister, Sr.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by David Bulova and 22 co-sponsors

The resolution formally honors Walter Benjamin Keister, Sr. for a lifetime of public service in Southwest Virginia.

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ379ER)
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Bill Summary · SJ 379

Summary of Senate Joint Resolution 379 (SJ379ER)

Overview

SJ379ER is a ceremonial, non-binding memorial resolution celebrating and honoring the life and public service of the Honorable Walter Benjamin Keister, Sr. The resolution commemorates Keister’s career in Southwest Virginia as a local and state public servant and notes his death on March 23, 2024. It was introduced on February 13, 2025, approved by the Senate on February 19, 2025, approved by the House of Delegates on February 20, 2025, and enrolled February 21, 2025.

Purpose

  • To note with great sadness the loss of Walter Benjamin Keister, Sr., and to recognize his contributions as a longtime public servant in Southwest Virginia.
  • To express the General Assembly’s respect for his memory and to provide a copy of the resolution to his family.

Key Provisions and Provisions’ Content

  • The resolution serves as a formal expression of condolences and gratitude for Keister’s service.
  • It highlights his career achievements and roles, including:
    • Former mayor of the Town of Dublin (1989–1997) and former Dublin City Council member (1986–1989).
    • Former member of the Virginia House of Delegates (2000–2005).
    • Education background: bachelor’s degree from East Tennessee State University; master’s degree from Radford University; career as a science teacher with Montgomery County Public Schools.
    • Public service roles beyond elected office: magistrate for the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, programs director of the New River Valley Regional Jail, and life member of the Pulaski County Life Saving Crew.
    • Contributions to regional economic development, including involvement in the establishment of the Pepsi and Gatorade bottling plants in Wytheville and James Hardie Building Products in Pulaski.
  • The text affirms that Keister “served his community and the Commonwealth with integrity, dignity, and the utmost dedication” and notes his family and partners.

Who Is Affected

  • The primary effect is ceremonial: the Virginia General Assembly publicly recognizing and honoring Keister’s life and service.
  • The resolution directs the Clerk of the Senate to prepare and present a copy of the resolution to Keister’s family as an expression of the Assembly’s respect.
  • While symbolic, the measure honors a former public official and may be of interest to constituents in Southwest Virginia and those connected to Keister’s career.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: February 13, 2025.
  • Engrossed by Senate: February 19, 2025.
  • Agreed to by Senate: February 19, 2025.
  • Agreed to by House of Delegates: February 20, 2025.
  • Enrolled: February 21, 2025.
  • Version: SJ379ER (Enrolled version) reflects the final, ceremonial text adopted by both chambers.

Notable Context

  • The bill lists multiple patrons in the Senate and Delegates’ names, reflecting cross-chamber support typical for memorial resolutions.
  • The content centers on biographical details and public service milestones rather than policy changes or fiscal implications.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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