SR12: SR12 Thompson, Bruce A.; condolences

25 LC 129 0020 Senate Resolution 12 By: Senators Kennedy of the 18th, Gooch of the 51st, Anavitarte of the 31st, Robertson of the 29th, Walker III of the 20th and others A RESOLUTION Honoring and celebrating the life and legacy of Bruce A. Thompson; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, the State of Georgia celebrates the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of2 Bruce A. Thompson, a visionary leader, devoted mentor, and dedicated public servant whose3 entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence will continue to inspire and4 shape the future for generations of Georgians to come; and5 WHEREAS, Bruce Thompson was born in California and raised on a farm in Montana,6 where he embraced the values of hard work and perseverance from an early age; and7 WHEREAS, these principals earned him a college wrestling schola rship and laid the8 foundation for a lifetime of s ervice, beginning with six years in the United States Army9 National Guard; and10 WHEREAS, a natural entrepreneur, Bruce launched his first busin ess at the age of 10 and11 went on to build a remarkable portfolio of ventures, including two automatic pool cover12 companies, six insurance agencies, two funeral homes, and several software firms; and13 S. R. 12 - 1 - 25 LC 129 0020 WHEREAS, he moved to Georgia in 1990 and immersed himself in his community, serving14 his church, mentoring future leaders, and contributing to organ izations such as the SBA15 Advisory Board, Truett McConnell University, and the Etowah Scholarship Foundation; and16 WHEREAS, Bruce began his legislative career in 2013 as a Georgia State Senator, where he17 chaired several committees and authored landmark legislation, including the Heartbeat Bill,18 the Dexter Mosley Act, and the Carnival Safety Act, earning recognition as "Legislator of19 the Year" many times; and20 WHEREAS, known as the "turnaround specialist," Bruce's passion for problem solving21 inspired his successful run as Georgia's tenth Labor Commissioner; and 22 WHEREAS, his tenure at the Georgia Department of Labor was marked by a renewed focus23 on transparency, responsiveness, and fiscal responsibility; val ues he championed with his24 trademark determination and integrity; and25 WHEREAS, with the spirit of a fighter and the compassion borne of strong faith, Bruce was26 known as a mentor to many in the business community and political arena; and 27 WHEREAS, Bruce A. Thompson courageously lost his eight-month-lo ng battle with28 pancreatic cancer on November 24, 2024, leaving behind a powerful legacy of leadership and29 service; and30 WHEREAS, Bruce cherished his role as father and often spoke of his gratitude for the31 privilege of raising his son, Max, and his daughter, Faith, alo ngside his wife of nearly 2832 years, Becky; and33 S. R. 12 - 2 - 25 LC 129 0020 W H E R E A S , a d e v o t e d b e l i e v e r i n J e s u s C h r i s t , B r u c e l i v e d h i s l ife guided by faith,34 embodying the words of Psalm 138:1 even in the most difficult times. 35 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body36 join in honoring the extraordinary life and leadership of Bruce A. Thompson, celebrating his37 profound contributions to the State of Georgia, and expressing deepest condolences to his38 family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him.39 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed40 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to the family of41 Bruce A. Thompson.42 S. R. 12 - 3 -