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Celebrating the life of the Honorable John Granger Macfarlane II.
Agreed to by the Senate, March 11, 2026
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 12, 2026
WHEREAS, the Honorable John Granger Macfarlane II, a proud veteran, accomplished businessman, independent-minded legislator, esteemed public servant, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and beloved member of the Roanoke community, died on June 23, 2025; and
WHEREAS, a native of Washington, D.C., Granger Macfarlane graduated from Duke University, then served his country with honor and distinction during the Korean War as a member of the United States Marine Corps; and
WHEREAS, Granger Macfarlane ran a spirited but unsuccessful House of Delegates primary challenger campaign in 1959 on a platform opposing Massive Resistance and in support of public education; and
WHEREAS, as the founder of the Blue Ridge Hospitality Group and its predecessor, Eastern Motor Inns, Inc., Granger Macfarlane led the development and operation of many hotels and motor inns throughout Southwest Virginia and became a leading voice for the region's hospitality industry; and
WHEREAS, as a testament to his character and willingness to help others in need, Granger Macfarlane was known to regularly assist individuals and families facing personal crises by offering them lodging in his hotels and inns; and
WHEREAS, Granger Macfarlane was elected to the Senate of Virginia in 1983, and he proudly represented the 21st District from 1984 to 1992, during which time he established his reputation as an independent-minded legislator and principled advocate in support of education, small business, and infrastructure investment in Southwest Virginia; and
WHEREAS, beyond his professional and public service, Granger Macfarlane also made an impact through his membership on a number of boards and commissions, including the Virginia Port Authority, the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission, the Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation, and the Southwest Virginia Chapter of the American Red Cross; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of their efforts to support higher education, Granger Macfarlane and his wife, Anne, were twice presented the Chancellor's Award for Leadership in Philanthropy by the Virginia Community College System; and
WHEREAS, Granger Macfarlane never knew a stranger as his warm, friendly, and personable demeanor endeared him to everyone he met; and
WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his Christian faith, Granger Macfarlane enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Second Presbyterian Church in Roanoke; and
WHEREAS, preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Anne, Granger Macfarlane will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his children, John III, Charles, Anne, and Mary, and their families; and by numerous other family members, friends, and colleagues on both sides of the aisle; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of the Honorable John Granger Macfarlane II, a leader whose integrity, kindness, and dedication left a lasting and meaningful imprint on the Commonwealth; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of the Honorable John Granger Macfarlane II as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.