Georgia General Assembly · Full text

HR 909: Blackshear, Reverend Franklin D.; condolences

Introduced version, the latest LegiScan holds · Last action April 2, 2025 · Passed

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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.

WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens with the passing of Reverend Franklin D. Blackshear; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Franklin D. Blackshear was born to Reverend William and Mrs. Bessie Blackshear as the youngest of ten siblings and was reared in the Cuyler-Brownsville neighborhood of Savannah, Georgia, where service to others was instilled in him at an early age; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Blackshear began his educational career as a mathematics teacher, and in 1965, he became a guidance counselor at A. E. Beach High School, where he served for 24 years until his retirement in 1989; and

WHEREAS, he was baptized, licensed, and ordained at First Jerusalem Baptist Church, where he remained a lifelong member, and he was installed as pastor of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church in 1981, where he served faithfully for 43 years alongside his wife, Lady Ella Blackshear, and retired as pastor emeritus in May 2024; and

WHEREAS, he was a member of the Savannah Baptist Ministers Union, a recipient of the 2024 Community Service Award of Appreciation from Second African Baptist Church, and a highly respected mentor, educator, and spiritual leader throughout the Savannah community; and

WHEREAS, he gave inspiration to many through his high ideals, morals, and deep concern for his fellow citizens, and the devotion, patience, and understanding he demonstrated to his family and friends were admired by others; and

WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous man who demonstrated his commitment to witnessing Christ through word and deed, Reverend Franklin D. Blackshear will long be remembered for his love of family, friendship, and community and will be missed by all who had the great fortune of knowing 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 Reverend Franklin D. Blackshear 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 Reverend Franklin D. Blackshear.