Georgia-2009-HR2205-Introduced

Honoring the life and memory of Reverend Robert H. Woods, Sr.; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens with the passing of Reverend Robert H. Woods, Sr., on February 22, 2010; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Woods was born on June 17, 1938, in Paint Lick, Kentucky, the first of seven beloved children to J.M. and Bessie King Woods; and

WHEREAS, he was united in love and marriage to Rachel Ann Darrah on June 15, 1957, and was blessed with four remarkable children, Rebecca Jane, Patricia Ann, Nancy Jo, and Robert H. Woods, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Woods was saved at the age of 18 while attending Wesleyan Methodist Church in Richmond, Indiana, and was later called to serve the Lord while working as a general manager at an IPA grocery store in Centerville, Indiana, and attending Centerville Church of the Nazarene; and

WHEREAS, he moved his family to Sparta, Tennessee, in 1976 and began his first pastorate at Shady Grove Church of the Nazarene and became an ordained minister; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Woods demonstrated his commitment to teaching the Gospel, witnessing Christ through word and deed, and addressing the physical, psychological, intellectual, and spiritual needs of others for 35 years as a pastor for several churches in three states; 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, his vision and direction as associate pastor helped Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Rossville, Georgia, grow in size and influence, uplifting the community like the light of Bethlehem and serving as a spiritual leader and place for fellowship; and

WHEREAS, whether the task is preparing a sermon, visiting the sick, counseling the troubled, baptizing a new believer, or acting as a theologian, educator, administrator, or humanitarian, Reverend Woods served as a shining example of God's righteous path; and

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

WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous man, Reverend Woods will long be remembered for his love of the Lord, family, and friendship, and this loyal minister, husband, father, and friend will be missed by all who had the great fortune of knowing him.

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 Robert H. Woods, Sr., 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 Robert H. Woods, Sr.