---
title: HR 1802. Givens, Samuel Nelson; honoring the life and memory; condolences
collection: bills
id: 2025-2026/hr1802
cite_as: HR 1802, 2025-2026 Regular Session (Ga.)
canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr1802
md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr1802.md
text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr1802/text
source_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/74283
date: 2026-03-19
status: passed
corpus_version: bills-2026-09-13
license: Public record of the Georgia General Assembly, via LegiScan; see about.md
publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice.
up: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026.md
previous: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr1801.md
next: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr1803.md
index: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/index.md
omitted: votes and history
omitted_chars: 134
omitted_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr1802.md?full=1
bill_number: HR 1802
session: 2025-2026 Regular Session
session_slug: 2025-2026
chamber: House
bill_type: resolution
status_date: 2026-03-19
last_action: House Read and Adopted
sponsors:
  - Sandra Scott
text_version: Introduced
has_text: true
legiscan_url: https://legiscan.com/GA/bill/HR1802/2025
upstream_id: 2136355
summaries_model: claude-sonnet-5
topic_tags:
  - memorial resolution
  - Georgia House of Representatives
  - veteran tribute
---

# HR 1802. Givens, Samuel Nelson; honoring the life and memory; condolences

## Text

House Resolution 1802
By: Representative Scott of the 76th
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life and memory of Samuel Nelson Givens; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the citizens of Georgia join family and friends in remembering the life and
legacy of Samuel Nelson Givens, a devoted father, proud veteran, hardworking craftsman,
and man of deep faith whose life reflected service, compassion, and integrity; and
WHEREAS, Samuel Nelson Givens was born on January 29, 1938, in Tallahassee-Leon
County, Florida, to the late Lewis and Melinda Atkins Givens, and he was lovingly known
as "Sam" by family and friends; and
WHEREAS, he grew up in a large and loving family environment and attended the public
schools of Leon County, developing the strong character, discipline, and values that would
guide him throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, with great pride and honor, Samuel Nelson Givens served his country as an
infantryman in the United States Army, demonstrating courage, patriotism, and commitment
to the ideals of freedom and service; and
WHEREAS, following his honorable discharge from the United States Army, he devoted
himself to providing for his family and became known for his exceptional work ethic and
remarkable craftsmanship; and
WHEREAS, Samuel Nelson Givens wore many hats in his professional life and became
highly skilled in automotive repair, carpentry, brick masonry, tile-setting, landscaping, and
home repair, earning the respect and admiration of many who sought his talents and trusted
his work; and
WHEREAS, he was a man known not only for his skills but also for his generous heart, often
helping others by repairing cars and making home improvements for those in need,
frequently free of charge; and
WHEREAS, Samuel Nelson Givens was also known as an avid drag racing enthusiast who
loved fast cars and would travel great distances to attend drag racing events, a passion that
brought him joy and fellowship with others; and
WHEREAS, early in life, he recognized the importance of a close relationship with God,
confessing Christ as his Savior and becoming a devoted member of Greater St. Mark
Primitive Baptist Church, where his faith remained a guiding force in his life; and
WHEREAS, on July 27, 2007, Brother Samuel Nelson Givens peacefully surrendered to the
will of God and entered eternal rest to receive his heavenly crown; and
WHEREAS, he leaves to cherish his memory his loving daughters, Evelyn G. Faison of
Havana, Florida; Sandra (Edward) Scott of Rex, Georgia; and Malinda M. Givens of
Lawrenceville, Georgia; his devoted sons, Devin Givens and Jevon Givens; his beloved
sisters, Ophelia Dickey, Rosa Bell Richardson, Dorothy Dorsey, and Melinda Henderson;
his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchild; his devoted companion, Christine Oliver;
and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends; and
WHEREAS, Samuel Nelson Givens lived a life defined by service, humility, generosity,
faith, and love for his family, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire all who knew him.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body join in honoring the life and memory of Samuel Nelson Givens and
express their deepest and most sincere regret at his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the
family of Samuel Nelson Givens.

## Summaries written by Georgia Commons

The following was written by claude-sonnet-5 from the text above and is not part of the resolution. Quote the text, not the summary.

A Georgia House resolution honors the life of Samuel Nelson Givens, a Fayette-area veteran and craftsman, and offers condolences to his family.

### Plain-language summary

This House resolution is a ceremonial measure from the Georgia General Assembly that recognizes Samuel Nelson Givens, who was born in 1938 in Tallahassee-Leon County, Florida, served as an infantryman in the United States Army, and later worked as a skilled craftsman in automotive repair, carpentry, brick masonry, tile-setting, landscaping, and home repair. It recounts his faith, family, and generosity, including free work he did for people in need, and his passion for drag racing.
The resolution formally states that the House of Representatives joins in honoring his life and memory and expresses sincere regret at his passing. It directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to his family. The measure creates no new law, funding, or legal obligations.

### What it does

- Formally states that the Georgia House of Representatives honors the life and memory of Samuel Nelson Givens and expresses regret at his passing.
- Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to his family.
- Recites biographical details about his military service, career, faith, and family as the basis for the tribute.

### Who it affects

This resolution directly affects the family of Samuel Nelson Givens, including his daughters, sons, sisters, grandchildren, and companion, who receive the official copy. It has no effect on the general public or on Georgia law.

### Why it matters

The resolution carries no legal or financial consequence for Georgians generally. Its practical effect is a formal, public acknowledgment by the Georgia House of Representatives of one man's life and service, offered to his family as a gesture of recognition and sympathy.

### Key provisions

- The whereas clauses describe Samuel Nelson Givens' birth, upbringing in Leon County, Florida, and his service as an infantryman in the United States Army.
- The whereas clauses detail his craftsmanship in automotive repair, carpentry, masonry, tile-setting, landscaping, and home repair, and his volunteer work helping others.
- The resolving clause has the House of Representatives honor his memory and express regret at his passing.
- A further resolving clause directs the Clerk of the House to make a copy available for distribution to his family.

## Status

- Status: Passed (2026-03-19)
- Last action: House Read and Adopted (2026-03-19)
- Sponsors: Sandra Scott
- Official page: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/74283

> The history, votes, and amendments (134 characters) are at https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr1802.md?full=1