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

26 LC 129 1512 Senate Resolution 1036 By: Senators Davenport of the 17th, James of the 28th, Jones of the 10th and Anderson of the 43rd A RESOLUTION Honoring the life and memory of Deacon Willie David “Bill” Finch; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens2 with the passing of Deacon Willie David “Bill” Finch on March 15, 2026; and3 WHEREAS, Deacon Willie David “Bill” Finch was born on August 25 , 1935, in Barnett,4 Warren County, Georgia, a beloved son of Tommie Finch, Sr., and Ida Mae Finch; and5 WHEREAS, he was united in love and marriage to his wife, Annie Bell Pittman-Finch, and6 was blessed with seven remarkable children, 13 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren;7 and8 WHEREAS, the couple moved the Forest Park, Georgia, in 1958 and remain among the9 longest residents in Forest Park; and 10 WHEREAS, Bill was known as a trailblazer not only in Forest Par k but also in Clayton11 County and the State of Georgia; and 12 S. R. 1036 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1512 WHEREAS, he was the first of two African American men to own a Gulf Oil Gas Station13 in the State of Georgia; played an integral role in his 11-year-old son, Rodney, becoming the14 first Black athlete to integrate Forest Park athletics in football and baseball; and was the first15 Black man to coach Little League Baseball; and 16 WHEREAS, the doors Bill opened for his community not only changed the lives of countless17 children in the State if Georgia, but also allowed his son, Rod ney, to be drafted by the18 Atlanta Braves; and19 WHEREAS, although he never ran f or political office, he was kno wn as one of the best20 politicians in Clayton County, o ffering his support and friends hip to many key political21 figures in the county; and 22 WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous man, Bill will long be remembered for his love23 of family, friendship, and community and will be missed by all who had the great fortune of24 knowing him.25 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body26 join in honoring the life and memory of Deacon Willie David “Bill” Finch and express their27 deepest and most sincere regret at his passing.28 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed29 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to the family of30 Deacon Willie David “Bill” Finch.31 S. R. 1036 - 2 -