Senate Resolution 833
By: Senators Anderson of the 43rd, Anderson of the 24th, Jones II of the 22nd, Davenport
of the 17th, Harbison of the 15th and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending the Honorable Willie E. Burns; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the Honorable Willie E. Burns, of Washington, Georgia, has long been
recognized by the citizens of this state for the vital role that he has played in leadership and
his deep personal commitment to the welfare of the citizens of Georgia; and
WHEREAS, he has served his state and country in the United States Army, the Elberton
Police Department, and the Georgia State Patrol; and
WHEREAS, in 2003, he was elected as the first Black Mayor of Washington, Georgia; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure as mayor, he executed his vision of economic development
to his community and region by founding and launching the Wilkes County Community
Development Corporation; and
WHEREAS, he strengthened the City of Washington's economic base by developing the first
affordable housing community where low and moderate-income individuals and families
were able to obtain the American Dream by becoming homeowners and built the first and
only state of the art multipurpose event venue; and
WHEREAS, his significant organizational and leadership talents, remarkable patience and
diplomacy, keen sense of vision, and sensitivity to the needs of the citizens of this state have
earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and associates; and
WHEREAS, a dedicated member of his community, he is a member of the NAACP,
Washington, Georgia Branch; a lifetime member of the American Legion; past President of
the Georgia Conference of Black Mayors (GCBM), Inc.; and is an active volunteer at his
church and local schools; and
WHEREAS, he is a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation for
integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this
remarkable and distinguished Georgian be appropriately recognized.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
recognize and commend the Honorable Willie E. Burns for his efficient, effective, unselfish,
and dedicated public service to the State of and extend the most sincere best wishes for
continued health and happiness.
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 Honorable
Willie E. Burns.