Georgia-2011-SR256-Enrolled

By: Senators Staton of the 18th, Grant of the 25th, Tolleson of the 20th and Jeffares of the 17th

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, 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.