SR1036: SR1036 Finch, Deacon Willie David "Bill"; condolences

This resolution is a formal tribute from the Georgia Senate marking the death of Deacon Willie David "Bill" Finch, a longtime resident of Forest Park in Clayton County. It recounts his life story: his birth in Warren County in 1935, his marriage and large family, his move to Forest Park in 1958, and his role as one of the first two African American men to own a Gulf Oil gas station in Georgia. It also notes his role in integrating youth athletics in Forest Park and his influence in local politics without ever holding office. The resolution does not change any Georgia law. It simply expresses the Senate's condolences and directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to Finch's family.

• Formally expresses the Georgia Senate's regret over the death of Deacon Willie David "Bill" Finch on March 15, 2026.
• Recites biographical details about Finch's family, business history, and community role in Forest Park and Clayton County.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Finch's family.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory requirement, as is typical for a memorial resolution.

The resolution directly names the family of Deacon Willie David "Bill" Finch, including his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. It also reflects on the Forest Park and Clayton County community and the Georgia Senate, which formally adopts the tribute.

While the resolution has no legal effect on Georgians generally, it provides an official, permanent record of the Senate's recognition of Finch's community role and grants his family a formal keepsake copy of that recognition.

• The resolution's whereas clauses detail Finch's birth in Barnett, Warren County, Georgia in 1935 and his family background.
• It states he was among the first two African American men to own a Gulf Oil gas station in Georgia.
• It credits him with helping his son become the first Black athlete to integrate Forest Park athletics and become the first Black Little League coach.
• The resolved clause has the Senate join in honoring his life and expressing regret at his passing.
• The final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available to his family.

1. 2026-03-27Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-03-25Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)Primary sponsor
• Donzella James (D, SD-028)
• Emanuel Jones (D, SD-010)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)

• memorial resolution
• Georgia Senate
• Forest Park history
• Clayton County