VA HR196

Joseph Williamson Luter III, who died on August 28, 2025, grew Smithfield Foods from a struggling company into a $13 billion global pork processing enterprise over 32 years as president and CEO

Luter became president of the family business, Smithfield Packing Company, at age 26 after his father's death, later selling it in 1970 before returning in 1975 to rescue the company from near-bankruptcy

He revolutionized pork production through strategic acquisitions and vertical integration programs, expanding operations throughout North America and Europe

Luter supported numerous philanthropic projects in the South Hampton Roads Region, including a sports complex, YMCA location, Riverside Smithfield Hospital, and museums and historical sites

The House of Delegates expresses condolences and directs the Clerk to present a copy of this resolution to his surviving family, including his wife Karin of 25 years and four children