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

26 LC 129 1047 House Resolution 1330 By: Representative Jones of the 60th A RESOLUTION Honoring the life, service, and historic legacy of John Raymond Terry, retired1 Superintendent of Talbot County and the first African American Chief Probate Judge of2 Talbot County, Georgia; and for other purposes.3 WHEREAS, the Georgia House of Representatives recognizes the importance of honoring4 individuals whose lives of service have strengthened their communities and advanced justice5 in the State of Georgia; and6 WHEREAS, John Raymond Terry faithfully served the citizens of T albot County as7 Superintendent of Talbot County Schools, dedicating his professional life to public education8 and the development of future generations before his retirement; and9 WHEREAS, on August 5, 2008, John Raymond Terry, following his r etirement as10 Superintendent of Talbot County, won the Democratic nomination for Probate Judge of11 Talbot County, Georgia, marking a historic moment in the county's judicial history; and12 WHEREAS, upon assuming office, John Raymond Terry became the first African American13 to serve as Chief Probate Judge of Talbot County, breaking longstanding racial barriers and14 establishing a legacy of progress, inclusion, and principled leadership; and15 H. R. 1330 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1047 WHEREAS, during his tenure as Probate Judge, Judge Terry served with integrity, wisdom,16 and fairness, earning the trust and respect of the citizens of Talbot County while faithfully17 upholding the laws and Constitution of the State of Georgia; and18 WHEREAS, the election and service of John Raymond Terry represented not only a personal19 achievement, but also a milestone in the civil, educational, an d judicial history of Talbot20 County and the State of Georgia; and21 WHEREAS, it is with profound sorrow that the members of the Geo rgia House of22 Representatives note the passing of John Raymond Terry, and extend their deepest sympathy23 to his family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives were enriched by his leadership24 and service; and25 WHEREAS, the legacy of Judge Terry will endure through a life m arked by devotion to26 education, justice, and public service, and by his historic rol e in advancing equal justice27 under the law.28 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that29 the members of this body honor and remember the life and legacy of John Raymond Terry,30 retired Superintendent of Talbot County and the first African American Chief Probate Judge31 of Talbot County, Georgia, and commend a life of exemplary publ ic service and historic32 leadership.33 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized34 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the35 family of John Raymond Terry.36 H. R. 1330 - 2 -