SR726: SR726 Crook, Jr., Edward "Eddie"; condolences

26 LC 129 0905 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.1 WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens2 with the passing of Edward "Eddie" Crook, Jr.; and3 WHEREAS, affectionately known as Eddie, Edward Crook, Jr., beca me Columbus,4 Georgia's, Olympic gold medalist at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy; and 5 WHEREAS, competing in middleweight boxing, Eddie was part of a historic and dynamic6 United States Olympic boxing team that included Muhammad Ali and Wilbur McClure; and7 WHEREAS, he served as a guardian of this nation's freedom and l iberty with the United8 States Army, valiantly and courageously protecting his fellow A mericans for 30 years,9 retiring at the rank of Command Sergeant Major and serving two tours in Vietnam as well10 as earning the Silver Star, two Purple Hearts, and a Bronze Star; and11 WHEREAS, at age 31, Eddie was reportedly the oldest United Stat es Army boxer to ever12 win an Olympic gold medal, an extraordinary achievement that cr owned an already13 distinguished athletic career; and14 S. R. 726 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0905 WHEREAS, following his Olympic triumph, Eddie retired from comp etitive boxing and15 continued his service with the United States Army, where his athletic excellence extended16 to football; and17 WHEREAS, Eddie supported the boxing program at the Fort Benning Military Base, where18 he established a training initiative known as the "Smokers"; and19 WHEREAS, Eddie was an active speaker for the Georgia Olympics, participated in the20 United States Postal Service speaker program, and contributed to preparations for the 199621 Olympic Games in Atlanta; and22 WHEREAS, a man of deep and abiding faith, Eddie was an active m ember of Saint John23 AME Church in Columbus, Georgia; and24 WHEREAS, he was blessed with 10 remarkable children, Sandra, Te rri, Alison, Edward,25 Brenda, Jerry, Melinda, Michael, April, and David, and many wonderful grandchildren and26 great grandchildren; and 27 WHEREAS, in his honor, his family established the Edward and Fa nnie Crook Jr.28 Foundation to provide annual scholarships to graduating seniors at Fannie's former high29 school, Spencer High; and 30 WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous man, Eddie will long be remembered for his love31 of family, friendship, and community and will be missed by all who had the great fortune of32 knowing him.33 S. R. 726 - 2 - 26 LC 129 0905 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body34 join in honoring the life and memory of Edward "Eddie" Crook, Jr., and express their deepest35 and most sincere regret at his passing.36 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed37 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to the family of38 Edward "Eddie" Crook, Jr.39 S. R. 726 - 3 -