Legislature honors Jerry Falwell Sr.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine signed legislation late Tuesday naming a section of U.S. 460 in Lynchburg the Jerry Falwell Parkway after Liberty University’s co-founder Jerry Falwell Sr., who died last May at age 73.

The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Steve Newman, R-Lynchburg, pertains to the section of highway between the Monacan Bridge in Lynchburg and Wards Road in Campbell County.

“It is an honor for the family,” Liberty University Chancellor Jerry Falwell said. “It means a lot that even legislators who weren’t in political agreement with my father voted for this. It is very fitting because Dad grew up just off the roadway, his brother still lives there and the university is here.”

Gov. Kaine’s press secretary, Gordon Hickey, said Wednesday Kaine recognizes the impact Jerry Falwell Sr. had on the Commonwealth.

“The governor understands that the Rev. Falwell touched tens of thousands of Virginians and so many in the city that it seemed like the right thing to do,” he said.