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HJ 467

Commending Ray Reynolds.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Phillips

Commends Ray Reynolds for 20 years directing the Jennifer Renee Short Memorial Ride, which raised over $45,000 for Bassett High School scholarships and honors community service.

Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ467ER)
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Bill Summary · HJ 467

Summary of HJ467ER – Commending Ray Reynolds

Overview

  • Type: House Joint Resolution (HJ467), as enrolled (HJ467ER)
  • Purpose: To commend Ray Reynolds of Henry County for 20 years of leadership and philanthropic efforts organizing the Jennifer Renee Short Memorial Ride, which supports scholarships for local students.
  • Sponsor: Eric Phillips (By Request)
  • Status & Timeline:
    • Prefiled: January 12, 2025
    • Introduced: January 13, 2025
    • Engrossed by House: January 20, 2025
    • Agreed to by House: January 20, 2025 (voice vote)
    • Agreed to by Senate: January 23, 2025
    • Enrolled: January 23, 2025
    • Bill text as passed House and Senate: HJ467ER

Background and Rationale

  • The Resolution honors Ray Reynolds for two decades of community service motivated by the 2002 murder of Michael and Mary Short and their nine-year-old daughter Jennifer.
  • Reynolds used his local business connections to raise awareness and support for finding justice for the Short family, culminating in the establishment of the Jennifer Renee Short Memorial Ride in 2002.
  • Under Reynolds’ leadership, the event drew hundreds of participants and connected a journey from Henry County to the area now known as the Jennifer Renee Short Memorial Bridge in Rockingham County, North Carolina.
  • The ride operated for 20 years, supported by volunteers and sponsors, and raised more than $45,000 to fund college scholarships for more than 60 Bassett High School students. Reynolds retired from directing the event in 2022; the event has continued under new leadership with ongoing community and law-enforcement support.

Key Provisions

  • The General Assembly formally commends Ray Reynolds for his 20 years of achievement as the longtime organizer of the Jennifer Renee Short Memorial Ride.
  • The resolution states appreciation for Reynolds’ generosity and passion for community service.
  • The Clerk of the House of Delegates is authorized to prepare and present a copy of the resolution to Ray Reynolds.

Impact and Affected Parties

  • Primary Beneficiary: Ray Reynolds (recognition) and the broader Henry County community.
  • Beneficiaries of the Ride: Bassett High School students who received scholarships funded by the Memorial Ride.
  • Community Institutions: Jennifer Renee Short Memorial Ride organizers, local volunteers, sponsors, and law-enforcement partners who supported the event.
  • Legal/Policy Impact: None; this is a ceremonial, non-binding acknowledgment without new statutory requirements or fiscal obligations.

Notes for Readers

  • This is a commemorative, ceremonial resolution rather than a bill that enacts policy or allocates funds.
  • The recognition highlights a longstanding community effort connecting to a broader story of local remembrance, education funding, and public service.

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

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