SR406: SR406 Leger, Charles M. "Buddy"; condolences

25 LC 112 3317 Senate Resolution 406 By: Senators Summers of the 13th, Kennedy of the 18th, Watson of the 11th, Goodman of the 8th, Gooch of the 51st and others A RESOLUTION Honoring the life and memory of Charles M. "Buddy" Leger; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens2 with the passing of Charles M. "Buddy" Leger on February 28, 2025; and3 WHEREAS, Charles M. "Buddy" Leger was born on June 9, 1931, in Knox County,4 Kentucky, a beloved son of Noah Delbert and Uhla McKeehan Leger; and5 WHEREAS, during his extraordinary career, he dedicated more tha n 75 years to the6 agriculture industry, leaving a legacy of impact on the watermelon and pecan industries in7 Georgia and beyond; and8 WHEREAS, prior to establishing Leger & Son Inc., which continue s to actively grow,9 harvest, and market both watermelons and pecans, he served with the Federal State10 Inspection Service, where he graded fruits and vegetables, and as manager of the Cordele11 Farmers Market with the Georgia Department of Agriculture; and12 WHEREAS, Charles M. "Buddy" Leger held vital roles in the agriculture industry, such as13 chairman of the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Pecans, president of the14 S. R. 406 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3317 Georgia Pecan Growers Association, president of the Georgia Watermelon Association, and15 the first president of the National Watermelon Research and Promotion Board; and16 WHEREAS, his expertise was recognized at the highest levels, as he was appointed to serve17 on the Transition Team for Agriculture from the Reagan administ ration to the Bush18 administration as well as on many state and national councils; and19 WHEREAS, he was the recipient of the National Watermelon Associ ation Outstanding20 Service Award in 1979, 1986, and 1990 as well as the University of Georgia College of21 Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Medallion of Honor Awar d in 2006, earning22 induction into the University of Georgia College of Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2012; and23 WHEREAS, he was united in love and marriage to his wife of 57 y ears, Marjorie, and the24 two were blessed with four remarkable children, Susan, Sherrie, Maria, and James; and 25 WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous man, Charles M. "Buddy" L eger will long be26 remembered for his love of family, friendship, and community and will be missed by all who27 had the great fortune of knowing him.28 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body29 join in honoring the life and memory of Charles M. "Buddy" Leger and express their deepest30 and most sincere regret at his passing.31 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed32 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to the family of33 Charles M. "Buddy" Leger.34 S. R. 406 - 2 -