Bill Text: IL HR0475 | 2019-2020 | 101st General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the death of Nathan "Bobo" Smalls Jr.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2019-10-28 - Resolution Adopted [HR0475 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2019-HR0475-Introduced.html

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HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Nathan
"Nate" "Bobo" Smalls Jr. of Danville, who passed away on July
9, 2019; and
WHEREAS, Nate Smalls was born in Chatham County in
Savannah, Georgia to Nathan and Loretta Smalls; he moved to
Danville in 1969; and
WHEREAS, Nate Smalls was a member of the Indianapolis
Clowns, a team in the last Negro Baseball Barnstorming League,
from 1965 until 1986; he played for the team longer than any
other member; as a left-handed pitcher, he could throw a ball
97 miles per hour and was known for the ability to hold four
baseballs at once and pitch them to four different batters with
one throw; he was honored by the Indianapolis Indians minor
league baseball team during a special night at Victory Field in
the summer of 2018; and
WHEREAS, Nate Smalls was one of the founding members of the
Three Kings of Peace; the group volunteered daily as mentors in
the Danville schools in an effort to reduce violence in
schools; the group organized marches in the community to push
back against violence in the city; and

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WHEREAS, Nate Smalls was one of the primary organizers of a
summer basketball league for young people at Garfield Park; in
recognition of his work with area youth, officials dedicated
the basketball courts in his honor in June 2017; and
WHEREAS, Nate Smalls was a tireless advocate for the young
people of his community; he worked to cultivate peace and
eliminate violence; he loved sports and was deeply committed to
his family; and
WHEREAS, Nate Smalls was preceded in death by his parents;
his daughter, Lukresia; his grandson, Nathan; his
great-granddaughter, Na'ryah; his brother, James Robe; and his
sister, Haddie Mae Thomas; and
WHEREAS, Nate Smalls is survived by his wife, Anita; his
daughters, Dana Williams, Leslie (Tyrone) Dunbar, and Breya
McGrown; his son, Darwin Baxter; his sisters-in-law, Bea Brown,
Ellen Brooks, Bertha Brandon, and Alice (Lee) Shields; his
favorite aunt, Angie Robe and uncle, Johnnie Brown; his aunts,
Patricia Ann Rutledge and Roslyn Robe; and many nieces,
nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that

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we mourn the passing of Nathan "Nate" "Bobo" Smalls Jr. and
extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all
who knew and loved him; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
presented to the family of Nate Smalls as an expression of our
deepest sympathy.