Georgia-2011-HR2021-Introduced

By: Representatives Wilkerson of the 33rd, Morgan of the 39th, Evans of the 40th, Johnson of the 37th, Jones of the 44th, and others

Honoring the life and memory of Reverend Dwight C. Graves; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens with the passing of Reverend Dwight C. Graves on January 10, 2012; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Graves was born on December 14, 1947, in Freeman, West Virginia, a beloved son of Sherman and Estella Graves; and

WHEREAS, he was united in love and marriage to his wife, Cheryl, for 42 blessed years; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Graves was one of the founders of the Georgia State Unit of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, where he served as secretary, chairman, and president, as well as on the national board and as president of the Cobb County Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference; and

WHEREAS, he served as a guardian of this nation's freedom in the United States Air Force, where he retired as a senior master sergeant after 32 years of service; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Graves was first called to the pastoral ministry in 1987, served as an associate minister of Zion Baptist Church from 1992 to 1997, and was senior pastor and founder of Emmanuel Tabernacle Christian Church in Marietta from 1997 until his passing in January of 2012; and

WHEREAS, he was an active member of his community and devoted his time and talent to many organizations, including the Prince Hall Masons, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Cobb Court Appointed Special Advocate program, Cobb Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, Cobb Coalition for Social Change and Interdenominational Theological Center, African American Unity Summit, and NAACP; and

WHEREAS, the unmatched spiritual assistance offered by Reverend Graves is a source of strength and direction for persons in all walks of life and from all economic strata; and

WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this enduring example of God's message of peace and love be recognized and congratulated for his innumerable good works rendered on behalf of persons in need.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body join in honoring the life and memory of Reverend Dwight C. Graves for his service to the Lord and the congregation of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and express their deepest and most sincere regret at his passing.

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 the family of Reverend Dwight C. Graves.