HR 688: Savage, Dr. John "Johnny"; commend

House Resolution 688

By: Representatives Gambill of the 15th, Scoggins of the 14th, Momtahan of the 17th, Gullett of the 19th, Mathis of the 133rd, and others

A RESOLUTION

Commending Dr. John "Johnny" Savage; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Dr. John "Johnny" Savage has lived a life dedicated to service, leadership, and mentorship and has devoted innumerable hours of his time, talents, and energy to his fellow citizens; and

WHEREAS, born on April 16, 1934, Dr. Savage graduated from Emory Dental School in 1959 and began a distinguished career in dentistry, later serving his community in Ebro, Florida, where he continued practicing until the age of 89 and often provided pro bono services to patients in need; and

WHEREAS, he honorably served in the United States Navy Dental Corps, beginning his career in Jacksonville, Florida, before requesting a global assignment, which led him to serve aboard the USS Glacier during Operation Deep Freeze, a mission providing logistical and research support in Antarctica, where a glacier was later named in his honor; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Savage demonstrated his commitment to public service as a three-term member of the Georgia House of Representatives from Fulton County, serving once as a Democrat and twice as a Republican, and he further pursued leadership by running as the Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia in 1974; and

WHEREAS, a passionate mentor, Dr. Savage played an instrumental role in the career of Otis "Jazzbo" Ikner, who became the first Black male dental hygienist in the United States, a remarkable story he later chronicled in his book, Johnny and Jazzbo: A True Story; and

WHEREAS, throughout his life, he has exhibited courage and selflessness even in the face of imminent danger, including saving a man from a sinking car; and

WHEREAS, through his devotion, patience, and understanding, he has provided strong and loving support for his family, which includes his beloved mother, Mildred; his sister, Nora; and his son, Mark; and

WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable individual be appropriately honored.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body commend Dr. John "Johnny" Savage for his unselfish, dedicated, and loving service to the members of his family, community, state, and nation as well as extend their most sincere best wishes for continued health and happiness. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Dr. John "Johnny" Savage.