HR2108: HR2108 Childers, former Representative Eugene Milton "Buddy"; honoring the life and legacy; condolences

26 LC 112 4214 House Resolution 2108 By: Representatives Dempsey of the 13th, Lumsden of the 12th, Barton of the 5th, Greene of the 154th, and Powell of the 33rd A RESOLUTION Honoring the life and legacy of former Representative Eugene Milton "Buddy" Childers; and1 for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens3 with the passing of former Representative Eugene Milton "Buddy" Childers on March 16,4 2026, at the age of 87; and5 WHEREAS, a lifelong native of Floyd County, Buddy Childers was the son of the late6 Claude E. Childers and Vassie Geneva Pope Childers and was preceded in death by his sister,7 Margaret Bozeman, and his brother, Jerry Childers; and8 WHEREAS, known affectionately as "Buddy" to all who knew him, he was a proud graduate9 of Model High School and served his country honorably in the Marine Corps Reserves; and10 WHEREAS, he began his professional career with the Celanese Cor poration and later11 devoted the majority of his working life to Southern Bell, where he served as a lineman and12 pay phone specialist from 1964 until his retirement; and13 H. R. 2108 - 1 - 26 LC 112 4214 WHEREAS, a dedicated labor leader, Buddy Childers was an active and respected member14 of the Communication Workers of America in Rome, where he advocated tirelessly on behalf15 of working men and women; and16 WHEREAS, his commitment to public service began at the local le vel when he served as17 Justice of the Peace for Fl oyd County from 1970 to 1974, faithf ully representing his18 community; and19 WHEREAS, in 1974, he was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives from the 13th20 House District, where he served the citizens of Floyd and Bartow counties with distinction21 for 30 years, earning a reputation as "the working man working for you"; and22 WHEREAS, during his tenure in the General Assembly, Representat ive Childers was a23 dedicated member and longtime Chairman of the House Health Comm ittee and a member24 of the Appropriations Committee, where he championed legislation to improve and expand25 public health and mental health services and played a key role in efforts to remove the state26 tax on food and prescription drugs; and27 WHEREAS, beyond his legislative accomplishments, Buddy Childers was a man of deep28 faith and unwavering devotion to his family, living out his Chr istian values as a lifelong29 member of Riverside Baptist Church; and30 WHEREAS, he found his greatest joy in his retirement years, spending time with his beloved31 grandchildren and supporting them in all their endeavors; and32 WHEREAS, the State of Georgia has lost a dedicated public servant whose contributions will33 be remembered for generations to come.34 H. R. 2108 - 2 - 26 LC 112 4214 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that35 the members of this body honor the life and memory of former Re presentative Eugene36 Milton "Buddy" Childers and extend their deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones.37 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized38 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the39 family of former Representative Eugene Milton "Buddy" Childers.40 H. R. 2108 - 3 -