Georgia-2009-HR314-Introduced

Recognizing and commending the Honorable Joe "Slade" Johnson on the occasion of his retirement; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Judge Joe "Slade" Johnson has diligently and conscientiously devoted innumerable hours of his time, talents, and energy toward the betterment of his community and state as evidenced dramatically by his superlative service during over 15 years with the Talbot County Court System; and

WHEREAS, Judge Johnson was born on October 14, 1939, in Talbotton, Georgia, to Winifred Phillips and Joe Johnson; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from Talbot High School in 1957, Judge Johnson attended North Georgia College before transferring to the United States Military Academy, West Point, and was commissioned as an Infantry Second Lieutenant upon his graduation in 1962; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of Ft. Benning's Ranger, airborne, infantry, and basic training courses, Judge Johnson courageously served two tours in Vietnam and retired from the military as an Infantry Colonel after 30 years of honorable service; and

WHEREAS, Judge Johnson was elected to the office of Probate Judge and Chief Magistrate in 1993 and has proven himself as an honest and dedicated public servant who strives for excellence in all his endeavors and whose primary concern has been the fair and impartial administration of justice; and

WHEREAS, his colleagues know him as a clear thinker and hard worker, as a man whose strong convictions are supported by meticulous research and careful consideration, and as an equitable, impartial leader whose decisions were governed by the rules of honesty and fair play; and
WHEREAS, united in love and marriage to Alice Johnson in 1971, Judge Johnson will enjoy his retirement spending time with his wife and two sons, Joe and Steven; and

WHEREAS, Judge Johnson has been active in his community, participating in the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Valley Partnership, and the Talbot County Development Authority; and

WHEREAS, Judge Johnson is a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation for integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness; the State of Georgia is honored to have such a motivated and hard working individual as one of its citizens.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that members of this body recognize Judge Joe "Slade" Johnson for his outstanding judicial career and commend him for his years of service to the State of Georgia and the citizens of Talbot county.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Judge Joe "Slade" Johnson.