HR909: HR909 Blackshear, Reverend Franklin D.; condolences

This resolution is a formal statement from the Georgia House of Representatives marking the death of Reverend Franklin D. Blackshear of Savannah. It recounts his life story: his upbringing in the Cuyler-Brownsville neighborhood, his 24 years as a mathematics teacher and guidance counselor at A. E. Beach High School, and his 43 years as pastor of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church before his retirement as pastor emeritus in May 2024. The resolution does not change any Georgia law. It formally expresses the House's regret at his passing and honors his memory, and it 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 Reverend Franklin D. Blackshear's life and memory and express regret at his passing.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare an official copy of the resolution for the Blackshear family.
• Creates no new law, funding, or penalty; it is a ceremonial statement rather than a regulatory action.

The resolution directly names the family of Reverend Franklin D. Blackshear, who will receive the official copy, and reflects a tribute from the Georgia House of Representatives to the Savannah community he served as an educator and pastor.

The resolution has no legal or regulatory effect on Georgians generally; its practical outcome is a formal, permanent House record honoring Blackshear's decades of service and a keepsake copy given to his family.

• The whereas clauses recount Blackshear's career as a mathematics teacher and guidance counselor at A. E. Beach High School for 24 years until 1989.
• The whereas clauses describe his 43 years as pastor of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church starting in 1981 and his retirement as pastor emeritus in May 2024.
• The resolved clause has the House formally honor his life and memory and express regret at his passing.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House to make a copy available for distribution to his family.

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

• Carl Gilliard (D, HD-162)Primary sponsor

• condolence resolution
• Savannah community
• Georgia House of Representatives
• education