HR 552: Sumner, Michael Ernest; condolences

This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives is a formal tribute rather than a change to state law. It recounts the life of Michael Ernest Sumner, who was born in Nashville, raised in Decatur, and became an attorney in Newnan after graduating from the University of Georgia Lumpkin School of Law. He served 16 years on the Coweta County Board of Education, including five as chair, and helped found an arts center, a technical charter high school, and a senior property tax break in the county. The resolution formally expresses the House's regret at his passing and directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to send a copy to his family. It does not create any new law, program, or funding; its only operative effect is the honorary statement and the instruction to distribute a copy to his relatives.

• Formally expresses the House of Representatives' regret over the death of Michael Ernest Sumner on February 22, 2025.
• Recites his biography, legal career in Newnan, and 16 years of service on the Coweta County Board of Education.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to his family.
• Creates no new statute, funding, or legal requirement; it is a ceremonial resolution only.

The resolution directly names and honors the family of Michael Ernest Sumner, including his wife, sons, and granddaughter. It also involves the Clerk of the House of Representatives, who is directed to distribute a copy of the resolution to the family.

This resolution has no practical legal effect on Georgians generally; it is a symbolic statement of condolence from the state legislature. Its real-world consequence is limited to the House's formal record and a printed copy sent to Sumner's family.

• The whereas clauses detail Sumner's birth, education, legal career, and 39-year marriage to his wife Leah.
• The whereas clauses also describe his service on the Coweta County Board of Education and his role founding the Nixon Centre for Performing and Visual Arts.
• The first resolving clause states the House's collective expression of regret and honors his memory.
• The second resolving clause directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to provide a copy of the resolution to Sumner's family.

1. 2025-03-06House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-03-06House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-03-06House Hopper (House)

• Lynn Smith (R, HD-70)Primary sponsor
• Houston Gaines (R, HD-120)
• Chas Cannon (R, HD-172)
• David Jenkins (R, HD-136)
• Josh Bonner (R, HD-73)
• Lydia Glaize (D, HD-67)

• condolence resolution
• Coweta County
• Georgia House of Representatives
• memorial tribute