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.