SR706: SR706 Hembree, Bill; condolences

26 LC 129 9017 Senate Resolution 706 By: Senators Bearden of the 30th, Brass of the 6th and Anavitarte of the 31st A RESOLUTION Honoring the life and memory of Bill Hembree; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens2 with the passing of Bill Hembree on January 15, 2026; and3 WHEREAS, Bill Hembree was born on March 8, 1966, in Villa Rica, Georgia, a beloved son4 of Herman Aubrey Hembree and Monta Raye Buchanan Hembree; and5 WHEREAS, he was united in love and marriage to his wife, Beth, and was blessed with three6 remarkable children, Will, Thomas, and Miles; and7 WHEREAS, a 1984 graduate of Douglas County High School, Bill served as State DECA8 President during his senior year and went on to serve as Nation al DECA President,9 demonstrating exceptional leadership at an early age; and10 WHEREAS, he was a lifelong learner with a global perspective, studying at the University11 of Oslo in Norway, participating in Semester at Sea through the University of Pittsburgh, and12 serving as a Rotary Scholar in Scotland; and13 S. R. 706 - 1 - 26 LC 129 9017 WHEREAS, in 2000, Bill founded Hembree Insurance Agency and grew it into a successful14 three-office business over two decades, built on principles of integrity, service, and15 community trust; and16 WHEREAS, Representative Bill Hembree faithfully served with the Georgia House of17 Representatives from 1992-2012, holding distinguished roles including Chairman of Higher18 Education and Chairman of the Rules Committee, where he worked tirelessly to improve19 Georgia's higher education system and honorably served the citizens of Georgia; and20 WHEREAS, in 2024, Bill and his wife Beth established the Bill Hembree Scholarship with21 the National DECA Program to support and encourage future student leaders, continuing his22 lifelong dedication to education and leadership development; and23 WHEREAS, he gave inspiration to many through his high ideals, morals, and deep concern24 for his fellow citizens, and the devotion, patience, and understanding he demonstrated to his25 family and friends were admired by others; and26 WHEREAS, he was a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation27 for integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness, and by the example he made of his life, he28 made this world a better place in which to live; and29 WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous man, Bill Hembree will long be remembered for30 his visionary leadership, commitment to public service, love of learning, and enduring impact31 on the State of Georgia and the many lives he touched.32 S. R. 706 - 2 - 26 LC 129 9017 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body33 join in honoring the life and memory of Bill Hembree and expres s their deepest and most34 sincere regret at his passing.35 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed36 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the family of Bill37 Hembree.38 S. R. 706 - 3 -