HR1013: HR1013 Massey, Abit; honoring the life and memory; condolences

26 LC 112 3683 House Resolution 1013 By: Representatives Burns of the 159th, Dickey of the 134th, Hawkins of the 27th, Dubnik of the 29th, Meeks of the 178th, and others A RESOLUTION Honoring the life and memory of Abit Massey; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, Abit Massey lived a life of distinction defined by exemplary service to his state,2 devotion to his community, and a steadfast commitment to education, agriculture, and civic3 leadership; and4 WHEREAS, starting from his earliest visits to the Georgia State Capitol in the 1940s, he5 developed a lifelong connection to Georgia's public life that l ed him to serve as executive6 secretary to Attorney General Gene Cook and to be appointed by Governor-Elect Ernest7 Vandiver as director of the Department of Commerce, during whic h time he created the8 state's first Tourist Division as well as the state's first wel come station in Screven9 County—the oldest station still operational in the United States; and10 WHEREAS, his career became most closely tied to Georgia agricul ture through his11 leadership of the Georgia Poultry Federation, where he guided t he industry's growth with12 vision and dedication, and he continued to serve full-time as president emeritus thereafter;13 and14 H. R. 1013 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3683 WHEREAS, his passion for education and the University of Georgia (UGA) was evident in15 his service as president of the UGA Alumni Association, as a trustee of the UGA Foundation,16 and as a leader in preserving historic Four Towers and establishing the Veterinary Medicine17 Experiment Station; and18 WHEREAS, his many honors included the UGA Distinguished Alumni Merit Award, the19 Blue Key Service Award, the inaugural Medallion of Honor from the College of Agricultural20 and Environmental Sciences, the College of Family and Consumer Sciences Appreciation21 Award, the Distinguished Service Award from the College of Vete rinary Medicine, and22 induction into the Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame; and23 WHEREAS, he was further honored through the creation of the annual Abit Massey Lecture24 by the Georgia Society of Association Executives, and he receiv ed the organization's25 President's Award for his work to protect nonprofit volunteers under Georgia law; and26 WHEREAS, as additional testament to his influence and service, Abit Massey met seven27 presidents of the United States, counted the late President Jimmy Carter among his friends,28 and championed Georgia Women of Achievement as the first man to serve on its Board of29 Trustees, the only man to serve as president, and the first person chosen as a trustee for life;30 and31 WHEREAS, he was united in love and marriage to his wife, Kayanne, and together they built32 a life in Gainesville, Georgia, raising their two children, Lew is and Camille, and later33 enjoying the blessings of four grandchildren, Chandler, Mary Cameryn, Christian, and Lucia,34 and of family members Amy and Gillie; and35 H. R. 1013 - 2 - 26 LC 112 3683 WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous man, Abit Massey will long be remembered for36 his love of family, friendship, and community and will be missed by all who had the great37 fortune of knowing him.38 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that39 the members of this body join in honoring the life and memory of Abit Massey and express40 their deepest and most sincere regret at his passing.41 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized42 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the43 family of Abit Massey.44 H. R. 1013 - 3 -