SR 11: Neal, Reverend Willie C.; recognize and commend

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate honoring Reverend Willie C. Neal, a pastor who led Philadelphia Baptist Church in Locust Grove for 34 years before retiring in 2021. The resolution recounts his life story, including his birth in Meriwether County in 1938, his years working at Atlanta-area manufacturing companies, and his decades of ministry, including growth at the church such as new deacons, a choir, a dance team, and a new sanctuary built in 2007. The resolution does not change any Georgia law. It simply states the Senate's recognition and commendation of Rev. Neal's service and directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide him with a copy of the resolution as a keepsake.

• Formally recognizes and commends Reverend Willie C. Neal for his religious leadership and community service.
• Recounts his biography, including his birth, family, career, and decades as pastor of Philadelphia Baptist Church.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Rev. Neal.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulation; it is a symbolic honor only.

The resolution directly names and honors Reverend Willie C. Neal and, by extension, the congregation of Philadelphia Baptist Church in Locust Grove, Georgia, and his family. It has no legal effect on any other Georgians.

This resolution has no practical impact on Georgia law or residents beyond honoring one individual. It matters mainly as a public, official acknowledgment by the Georgia Senate of a local religious leader's decades of community and church service.

• The resolution's whereas clauses detail Rev. Neal's birth in 1938 in Gay, Georgia, his marriage, family, and secular career at Float Away Door Company and Miltech Company.
• It describes his religious calling in 1956 and his service as assistant pastor before becoming Senior Pastor of Philadelphia Baptist Church in 1987.
• The resolved clause states the Senate's recognition and commendation and extends best wishes for continued fellowship and leadership.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to Rev. Neal.

1. 2026-06-23Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-06-22Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)Primary sponsor
• Donzella James (D, SD-028)
• Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
• Jaha Howard (D, SD-035)
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)
• Emanuel Jones (D, SD-010)

• Georgia Senate resolution
• religious leaders
• Locust Grove
• ceremonial recognition