HR75: HR75 Ham, Phillip Benson, Sr.; condolences

This resolution is a ceremonial tribute passed by the Georgia House of Representatives. It does not change any law. Instead, it recounts the life and public service of Phillip Benson Ham Sr., who was born in Smarr, Georgia, practiced law in Forsyth for over six decades, served as a state representative for Monroe County for 10 years, and chaired the Monroe County Board of Education for 13 years. The resolution also notes his roles in rural electric cooperatives, the Georgia Farm Bureau, and economic development projects that brought Plant Scherer and the Georgia Public Safety Training Center to Monroe County. The House resolves to honor his memory and directs the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the resolution to his family.

• Formally expresses the House of Representatives' regret over the death of Phillip Benson Ham Sr. and honors his memory.
• Recites his decades of public service, including 10 years as a state representative and 13 years chairing the Monroe County Board of Education.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to his family.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory change; it is a commemorative resolution only.

The resolution directly names the family of Phillip Benson Ham Sr., who will receive the official copy, and it is a symbolic act by the Georgia House of Representatives with no effect on the broader public.

The resolution carries no legal or financial effect; its significance is symbolic, giving formal state recognition to a longtime Monroe County public servant's career in law, education, rural electrification, and economic development.

• Recites Ham's birth in Smarr, Georgia in 1934 and his death on January 11, 2025.
• Describes his legal career in Forsyth and leadership roles in the Flint Judicial Circuit Bar Association and the Towaliga Judicial Circuit's creation.
• Notes his 10 years as a state representative and service as vice-chair of the State Board of Elections.
• Describes his 13 years chairing the Monroe County Board of Education, including guiding desegregation and securing funding for a new high school.
• Resolves that the House honors his memory and expresses regret at his passing.
• Directs the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the resolution to his family.

1. 2025-01-28House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-01-28House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-01-28House Hopper (House)

• Robert Dickey (R, HD-134)Primary sponsor
• Tangie Herring (D, HD-145)
• Clint Crowe (R, HD-118)

• Georgia House resolution
• Monroe County
• legislative tribute
• condolences