Bill Text: GA SR256 | 2011-2012 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Birdsong, Honorable Kenneth Wilson; condolences
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 4-0)
Status: (Passed) 2011-03-01 - Senate Read and Adopted [SR256 Detail]
Download: Georgia-2011-SR256-Enrolled.html
11 LC 94
4330
Senate
Resolution 256
By:
Senators Staton of the 18th, Grant of the 25th, Tolleson of the 20th and
Jeffares of the 17th
. A
RESOLUTION
Honoring
the life and memory of the Honorable Kenneth Wilson Birdsong; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS,
the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens
with the passing of the Honorable Kenneth Wilson Birdsong on February 19, 2011;
and
WHEREAS,
Mr. Birdsong was born in Twiggs County, Georgia, was a lifetime vegetable farmer
who was fond of old tractors, and devoted his life to serving others;
and
WHEREAS,
he served as a guardian of this nation's freedom and liberty with the United
States Army, valiantly and courageously protecting his fellow Americans during
World War II and in Korea, and re-enlisted in the Army Reserve 340th Engineer
Construction Battalion; and
WHEREAS,
after his service to this nation, Mr. Birdsong dedicated an amazing 54 years to
serving the citizens of Georgia as a Justice of the Peace in Twiggs County, a
Twiggs County Commissioner, a state legislator, and a member of the State
Veterans Service Board; and
WHEREAS,
one of this state's longest serving legislators, Mr. Birdsong was elected to the
Georgia General Assembly in 1976, serving Georgians as a member of the House of
Representatives until his retirement in 2004; and
WHEREAS,
he served as chairman of the House Committee on Defense and Veterans Affairs,
where he demonstrated excellent leadership ability in considering major
legislation that affected the men and women of the armed forces and their
families; and
WHEREAS,
a man of deep and abiding faith, Mr. Birdsong was an active member of Stone
Creek Baptist Church in Dry Branch, where he was known as a selfless statesman
and excellent tomato grower;
and
WHEREAS, he leaves behind many who will cherish his memory, including his children K.O. and Cheryl Birdsong, Steve and Suzanne Birdsong, Roger and Jackie Birdsong, Dianne Hodges and Larry Clark, and Joy and Louis Garcia; and
WHEREAS, he leaves behind many who will cherish his memory, including his children K.O. and Cheryl Birdsong, Steve and Suzanne Birdsong, Roger and Jackie Birdsong, Dianne Hodges and Larry Clark, and Joy and Louis Garcia; and
WHEREAS,
Mr. Birdsong was the proud grandfather of Melissa and Jay Touchton, Jason and
Janna Gatliff, Rachel Birdsong, Roger Birdsong, Richard and Keeley Thompson,
Neal and Jenny Birdsong, Rachel and Ben Crabtree, Michael Birdsong, Angela
Birdsong, Brianne Birdsong, Bubba Birdsong, and Nikki and Wyatt Erminger;
and
WHEREAS,
he gave inspiration to many through his high ideals, morals, and deep concern
for his fellow citizens, and the devotion, patience, and understanding he
demonstrated to his family and friends were admired by others; and
WHEREAS,
a compassionate and generous man, Mr. Birdsong will long be remembered for his
love of family and friendship, and this loyal father, grandfather, public
servant, and friend will be missed by all who had the great fortune of knowing
him.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body join in
honoring the life and memory of the Honorable Kenneth Wilson Birdsong and
express their deepest and most sincere regret at his passing.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the family of Mr. Kenneth
Wilson Birdsong.
