Senate Resolution 726
By: Senators Wicks of the 34th, Harbison of the 15th, Anderson of the 43rd, Payne of the
54th, Rhett of the 33rd and others
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life and memory of Edward "Eddie" Crook, Jr.; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens
with the passing of Edward "Eddie" Crook, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, affectionately known as Eddie, Edward Crook, Jr., became Columbus,
Georgia's, Olympic gold medalist at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy; and
WHEREAS, competing in middleweight boxing, Eddie was part of a historic and dynamic
United States Olympic boxing team that included Muhammad Ali and Wilbur McClure; and
WHEREAS, he served as a guardian of this nation's freedom and liberty with the United
States Army, valiantly and courageously protecting his fellow Americans for 30 years,
retiring at the rank of Command Sergeant Major and serving two tours in Vietnam as well
as earning the Silver Star, two Purple Hearts, and a Bronze Star; and
WHEREAS, at age 31, Eddie was reportedly the oldest United States Army boxer to ever
win an Olympic gold medal, an extraordinary achievement that crowned an already
distinguished athletic career; and
WHEREAS, following his Olympic triumph, Eddie retired from competitive boxing and
continued his service with the United States Army, where his athletic excellence extended
to football; and
WHEREAS, Eddie supported the boxing program at the Fort Benning Military Base, where
he established a training initiative known as the "Smokers"; and
WHEREAS, Eddie was an active speaker for the Georgia Olympics, participated in the
United States Postal Service speaker program, and contributed to preparations for the 1996
Olympic Games in Atlanta; and
WHEREAS, a man of deep and abiding faith, Eddie was an active member of Saint John
AME Church in Columbus, Georgia; and
WHEREAS, he was blessed with 10 remarkable children, Sandra, Terri, Alison, Edward,
Brenda, Jerry, Melinda, Michael, April, and David, and many wonderful grandchildren and
great grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, in his honor, his family established the Edward and Fannie Crook Jr.
Foundation to provide annual scholarships to graduating seniors at Fannie's former high
school, Spencer High; and
WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous man, Eddie 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 SENATE that the members of this body
join in honoring the life and memory of Edward "Eddie" Crook, Jr., and express their deepest
and most sincere regret at his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the family of
Edward "Eddie" Crook, Jr.