SR1052: SR1052 Cottrell, Don Michael "Mike"; condolences

This resolution is a memorial statement from the Georgia Senate rather than a change to state law. It recounts the life of Don Michael "Mike" Cottrell, who was born in Germany in 1953, served in the United States Air Force Reserves, and later built Cottrell, Incorporated in Gainesville, Georgia into a leading car-hauling equipment company. It also describes his civic roles, including service on the Lumpkin County Development Authority and the State Board of Economic Development, and his philanthropy toward the University of North Georgia, where the Mike Cottrell College of Business is named for him. The resolution formally states that the Senate recognizes and honors his life and memory and extends sympathy to his family. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to his family.

• Formally recognizes and honors the life and memory of Don Michael "Mike" Cottrell on behalf of the Georgia Senate.
• Extends the Senate's sympathy to Cottrell's family, friends, and others affected by his death.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Cottrell's family.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory requirement; it is a ceremonial statement rather than legislation with legal effect.

The resolution directly names the family of Don Michael "Mike" Cottrell, including his wife, children, sisters, grandchildren, nieces, and nephew, who will receive a copy of the resolution from the Secretary of the Senate.

The resolution has no regulatory or financial effect on Georgians generally. Its practical significance is limited to formally recording the Senate's recognition of Cottrell's business and philanthropic contributions in North Georgia and providing his family an official memorial document.

• The whereas clauses describe Cottrell's birth, military service, and career leading Cottrell, Incorporated, a car-hauling truck transport company based in Gainesville, Georgia.
• The whereas clauses detail his civic service, including chairing the Lumpkin County Development Authority and serving on the State Board of Economic Development.
• The whereas clauses describe his philanthropy toward the University of North Georgia, including the naming of the Mike Cottrell College of Business.
• The first resolving clause states the Senate's recognition of his life and extends sympathy to his family.
• The second resolving clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to his family.

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

• Steve Gooch (R, SD-051)Primary sponsor
• Drew Echols (R, SD-049)
• Max Burns (R, SD-023)
• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)

• Georgia Senate resolution
• condolence resolution
• Dahlonega
• University of North Georgia
• Lumpkin County