HR909: HR909 Blackshear, Reverend Franklin D.; condolences

25 LC 112 3616 House Resolution 909 By: Representative Gilliard of the 162nd A RESOLUTION Honoring the life and memory of Reverend Franklin D. Blackshear; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens2 with the passing of Reverend Franklin D. Blackshear; and3 WHEREAS, Reverend Franklin D. Blackshear was born to Reverend W illiam and Mrs.4 Bessie Blackshear as the youngest of ten siblings and was reared in the Cuyler-Brownsville5 neighborhood of Savannah, Georgia, where service to others was instilled in him at an early6 age; and7 WHEREAS, Reverend Blackshear began his educational career as a mathematics teacher,8 and in 1965, he became a guidance counselor at A. E. Beach High School, where he served9 for 24 years until his retirement in 1989; and10 WHEREAS, he was baptized, licensed, and ordained at First Jerus alem Baptist Church,11 where he remained a lifelong member, and he was installed as pastor of Mt. Tabor Baptist12 Church in 1981, where he served faithfully for 43 years alongsi de his wife, Lady Ella13 Blackshear, and retired as pastor emeritus in May 2024; and14 H. R. 909 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3616 WHEREAS, he was a member of the Savannah Baptist Ministers Union, a recipient of the15 2024 Community Service Award of Appreciation from Second African Baptist Church, and16 a highly respected mentor, educator, and spiritual leader throu ghout the Savannah17 community; and18 WHEREAS, he gave inspiration to many through his high ideals, morals, and deep concern19 for his fellow citizens, and the devotion, patience, and understanding he demonstrated to his20 family and friends were admired by others; and21 WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous man who demonstrated his commitment to22 witnessing Christ through word and deed, Reverend Franklin D. B lackshear will long be23 remembered for his love of family, friendship, and community and will be missed by all who24 had the great fortune of knowing him.25 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that26 the members of this body join in honoring the life and memory o f Reverend Franklin D.27 Blackshear and express their deepest and most sincere regret at his passing.28 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized29 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the30 family of Reverend Franklin D. Blackshear.31 H. R. 909 - 2 -