Celebrating the life of Edward Phillip Hickman, Jr.
Senate Joint Resolution 176 is a commemorative resolution honoring the life and legacy of Edward Phillip Hickman, Jr., of Accomack County. The resolution recounts his upbringing, education at Virginia Tech, and long career in agriculture as a fourth-generation potato farmer and co-owner of Dublin Farms in Horntown. It highlights his role in building Dublin Farms into a major potato operation, his continued service as an advisor after retirement, and his deep ties to family, church, and community.
The resolution also recognizes Hickman’s broader service to Virginia agriculture, including gubernatorial appointments to the State Seed Potato Board, where he served for 18 years and as chair for five years, as well as his involvement with the USDA Farm Service Agency committee and Potatoes USA. The General Assembly expresses sorrow at his passing and directs the Clerk of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to his family as a formal tribute.
SJ176 does not change state law, create new programs, or appropriate funds. Its legal effect is limited to an official legislative expression of sympathy and recognition, and it authorizes the transmission of the enrolled resolution to Hickman’s family. The resolution primarily affects the public record and serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of an individual’s contributions to agriculture and the Accomack County community.
The sentiment surrounding the resolution is uniformly positive and respectful. The bill passed both chambers without any recorded opposition in the provided materials, reflecting bipartisan or unanimous appreciation for Hickman’s life, work, and service. The tone of the resolution is memorial and celebratory, emphasizing gratitude, admiration, and loss.
There is no notable policy contention in the bill itself, because it is a noncontroversial commemorative resolution rather than substantive legislation. The only potential point of interest is the breadth of Hickman’s agricultural influence, including his leadership roles in state and national potato industry organizations, but this is presented as praise rather than dispute. No committee debate, amendments, or recorded votes indicating disagreement are provided.