HR1723: HR1723 Cochran, Pastor Raymond; retirement; commend

This resolution is a ceremonial honor passed by the Georgia House of Representatives. It recognizes Pastor Raymond Cochran, who was born in Lee County, Alabama, and has spent decades serving as pastor of multiple Baptist churches in Alabama and Georgia, most recently the Franchise Missionary Baptist Church of Phenix City, Alabama, for 54 years. The resolution recounts his community service, civic leadership, and awards, including being named 2018 Citizen of the Year and having a street dedicated in his honor. It formally commends him upon his retirement and directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy of the resolution for him. It does not change any Georgia law.

• Formally recognizes and commends Pastor Raymond Cochran by name for his decades of ministry upon his retirement.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute an official copy of the resolution to Pastor Cochran.
• Extends the House's best wishes for his continued health and happiness.
• Creates no changes to Georgia statutes, funding, or regulations, as a ceremonial resolution.

The resolution directly names and honors Pastor Raymond Cochran. It has no regulatory or legal effect on the general public, government agencies, or any other Georgians.

This is a symbolic honor rather than a policy change. It carries no legal or financial consequences for Georgians, but it places an official public tribute to Pastor Cochran's decades of religious and community service into the House's record.

• The whereas clauses describe Pastor Cochran's religious calling, the churches he has led in Alabama and Georgia, and his 54 years at Franchise Missionary Baptist Church.
• The resolved clause commends Pastor Cochran on his retirement and wishes him continued health and happiness.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to provide him an official copy of the resolution.

1. 2026-03-16House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-03-16House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-03-16House Hopper (House)

• Carolyn Hugley (D, HD-141)Primary sponsor
• Al Williams (D, HD-168)
• Debbie Buckner (D, HD-137)
• Vance Smith (R, HD-138)
• Carmen Rice (R, HD-139)

• ceremonial resolution
• House commendation
• faith community recognition