HR1330: HR1330 Terry, John Raymond; honoring the life, service and historic legacy; retired Superintendent of Talbot County and the first African American Chief Probate Judge of Talbot County, Georgia; condolences

This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives recognizes John Raymond Terry, who served as Superintendent of Talbot County Schools before retiring and later became the first African American Chief Probate Judge of Talbot County, Georgia. The resolution recounts his 2008 election to the probate judge position after winning the Democratic nomination and describes his tenure as marked by integrity and fairness. The resolution formally states that the House honors his life and legacy and commends his public service and leadership. It also directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to Terry's family. This is a ceremonial measure and does not change any Georgia law.

• Formally honors and commends the life, public service, and legacy of John Raymond Terry on behalf of the Georgia House of Representatives.
• Extends the House's condolences to Terry's family, friends, and colleagues following his passing.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to Terry's family.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory change, as a ceremonial resolution.

The resolution directly concerns the family, friends, and colleagues of John Raymond Terry, as well as the Talbot County community he served as school superintendent and later as Chief Probate Judge. It has no broader regulatory effect on other Georgians.

While the resolution carries no legal or financial effect, it creates an official public record from the Georgia House of Representatives recognizing Terry's career in education and his historic role as Talbot County's first African American Chief Probate Judge, giving his family a formal keepsake of that recognition.

• The whereas clauses recount Terry's career as Superintendent of Talbot County Schools and his 2008 election as Probate Judge of Talbot County.
• The resolution notes he became the first African American Chief Probate Judge of Talbot County upon taking office.
• The resolving clause states the House honors and commends his life and legacy of public service.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to distribute a copy of the resolution to his family.

1. 2026-02-11House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-02-11House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-02-11House Hopper (House)

• Sheila Jones (D, HD-060)Primary sponsor
• Debbie Buckner (D, HD-137)

• Talbot County
• memorial resolution
• probate court
• public education leadership