HR907: HR907 Shepherd, Archie S.; condolences

This resolution is a formal statement from the Georgia House of Representatives honoring the memory of Archie S. Shepherd of Covington, Georgia. It recounts his decades of civil rights and community service, including his leadership of the Newton County NAACP, his founding of a youth mentorship group, his work with the National Action Network, over 50 years with a Masonic lodge, and service on several local boards and a labor union. The resolution does not change any Georgia law. It simply expresses the House's condolences and respect for Shepherd's life and directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy of the resolution for delivery to his family.

• Formally states that House members join in honoring the life and memory of Archie S. Shepherd and express regret at his passing.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Shepherd's family.
• Recounts Shepherd's decades of civil rights work, community service, and leadership roles as the basis for the honor.

The resolution directly names Archie S. Shepherd's family, who will receive the official copy, and the Clerk of the House, who must prepare it. It also reflects on organizations he served, including the Newton County NAACP, the National Action Network, and a Masonic lodge.

The resolution carries no legal or financial effect and changes no Georgia law. Its significance is symbolic: it creates an official legislative record recognizing Shepherd's community contributions and provides his family with a formal keepsake from the state legislature.

• The 'WHEREAS' clauses detail Shepherd's roles, including Newton County NAACP president from 1998 to 2006 and legal redress chairperson from 2006 to 2014.
• The resolution notes he founded the Sam McLurkin Council #75, Order of the Knights of Pythagoras, in 2008 for youth mentorship.
• It cites his 50-plus years with the Prince Hall Masonic Friendship Lodge #20 and various service awards he received.
• The resolved clause has the House officially honor his memory and express condolences.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to distribute a copy of the resolution to his family.

1. 2025-04-02House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-04-02House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-04-02House Hopper (House)

• Sharon Henderson (D, HD-113)Primary sponsor
• Karen Lupton (D, HD-083)
• Carl Gilliard (D, HD-162)

• memorial resolution
• civil rights
• Newton County
• community service