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Celebrating the life of the Honorable Ford Carter Quillen.
Agreed to by the Senate, February 12, 2026
WHEREAS, the Honorable Ford Carter Quillen, a United States Army veteran, esteemed attorney, longtime member of the House of Delegates, and beloved member of the Gate City community, died on January 18, 2026; and
WHEREAS, after attending Gate City High School and the Fork Union Military Academy, Ford Quillen received a scholarship to study and play football at the University of Tennessee; and
WHEREAS, following his undergraduate education, Ford Quillen was commissioned in the United States Army and served his country with honor and distinction while stationed in Germany; and
WHEREAS, Ford Quillen returned to the University of Tennessee following his service to obtain a juris doctor degree and then embarked upon a successful legal career in Scott County practicing alongside his father, Cecil Quillen; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of his integrity, legal acumen, and judicial temperament, Ford Quillen was appointed to serve as a judge in the Scott County Circuit Court, and he worked tirelessly to ensure fairness and objectivity in all of the cases he oversaw; and
WHEREAS, Ford Quillen served in the House of Delegates from 1970 to 1993, during which time he chaired a number of influential committees while establishing himself as an accomplished advocate for Southwest Virginia and its residents; and
WHEREAS, Ford Quillen's legacy as a delegate devoted to the advancement of Southwest Virginia includes the creation of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, which has nurtured the educational and professional aspirations of thousands of students since its founding; and
WHEREAS, preceded in death by his loving wife of more than 60 years, Gail, Ford Quillen will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his children, Madre, Carter, and Lenoir, and their families; and by numerous other family members, friends, and colleagues on both sides of the aisle; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of the Honorable Ford Carter Quillen, a pillar of the Gate City community whose love of life, generous spirit, and desire to help Scott County, Southwest Virginia, and the Commonwealth left a lasting impact on countless lives; 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 Ford Carter Quillen as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.