Celebrating the life of the Honorable Ford Carter Quillen.
House Joint Resolution 109 is a commemorative resolution honoring the life and public service of the Honorable Ford Carter Quillen, who died on January 18, 2026. The resolution recounts his background as a Gate City native, Army veteran, University of Tennessee graduate, attorney, judge, and longtime member of the Virginia House of Delegates. It highlights his military service in Germany, his legal career in Scott County, and his judicial service on the Scott County Circuit Court.
The resolution also emphasizes Quillen’s legislative career from 1970 to 1993 and his influence on Southwest Virginia, including his role in creating the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. It concludes by expressing the General Assembly’s sorrow at his passing and directing the Clerk of the House to present a copy of the resolution to his family as a sign of respect.
HJ109 does not change state law, create new programs, or appropriate funds. Its legal effect is purely ceremonial: it formally records the General Assembly’s tribute to Ford Quillen and authorizes presentation of the resolution to his family. The measure has no direct impact on statutes, agencies, or regulated parties, but it serves as an official legislative recognition of Quillen’s contributions to Virginia, especially in Scott County and Southwest Virginia.
The sentiment around the resolution is uniformly positive and respectful. The bill passed both chambers and the text reflects bipartisan admiration, describing Quillen as a pillar of the Gate City community and noting that he was remembered fondly by family, friends, and colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Because this is a memorial resolution, there is no evident opposition in the available record, and the tone is one of gratitude, mourning, and celebration of public service.
There is no notable policy contention in the available materials. The resolution is noncontroversial and commemorative in nature, so discussion would typically center on Quillen’s legacy rather than disagreement over legislative substance. Any differences in emphasis would likely relate only to the breadth of his accomplishments—military service, judicial service, legislative leadership, and regional economic and educational development—rather than to the resolution itself.