[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 163 (Wednesday, October 11, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1359]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE OF DELEGATE LACEY E. PUTNEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB GOODLATTE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 11, 2017

  Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I, along with my colleagues, 
Representatives Robert J. Wittman, H. Morgan Griffith, Dave Brat, 
Thomas A. Garrett, Jr., and Scott Taylor, rise today to honor the life 
and service of Lacey E. Putney, a dear friend and the longest-serving 
state legislator in Virginia's history.
  Born on June 27, 1928, Lacey passed away on August 26, 2017, at the 
age of 89. He was born and raised in Big Island, Virginia, and remained 
a well-respected member of the community his entire life. After earning 
his undergraduate degree in 1950 from Washington and Lee University, 
Lacey enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served for four 
years. He later graduated from the Washington and Lee University School 
of Law and went on to practice law for more than 55 years in Bedford.
  Lacey was first elected to represent the 19th District in the 
Virginia House of Delegates in 1961. During his time in office, he held 
many important leadership positions, including Chairman of the House 
Appropriations Committee, Chairman of the Privileges and Elections 
Committee, and as acting Speaker of the House in 2003. Lacey was a true 
force in the state legislature, and he knew how to get things done. 
Anyone who worked with him witnessed that firsthand, and his hard work 
can be seen throughout western Virginia. He was instrumental in 
establishing the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research 
Institute in Roanoke and the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, 
creating the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, and restoring Thomas 
Jefferson's Poplar Forest. He led many successful legislative 
initiatives during his tenure, including the creation of the Virginia 
Tuition Assistance Grant program, the Virginia Retirement System, and 
the Virginia community college system. In 2013, Lacey retired from 
public service after 52 years. It was only fitting that upon his 
passing Lacey lie in state in the rotunda of the State Capitol.
  Lacey's legacy is one of service, kindness, and action. He was 
trusted by the people he represented and respected by his colleagues. 
He exemplified the role of a citizen legislator and set an example for 
all of us through his passion for serving his fellow Virginians. We are 
honored to have known Lacey Putney over the years, and the Commonwealth 
of Virginia is better because of individuals like him. With his 
passing, Virginia lost one of its greatest treasures.
  We offer our condolences to his beloved wife, Carmela, as well as the 
entire Putney family. Our prayers are with them as they mourn this loss 
and celebrate his life. May God give them comfort and peace. While he 
may be gone from this earth, there is no doubt that his legacy will 
live on.

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