11 LC 94 3725

House Resolution 77

By: Representatives Ralston of the 7th and Amerson of the 9th

A RESOLUTION

Honoring the life and memory of Mr. Raymond Parks; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens with the passing of Mr. Raymond Parks on June 20, 2010; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Parks was born on June 5, 1914, in Dawsonville, Georgia, and served as a guardian of this nation's freedom and liberty with the United States Army, valiantly and courageously protecting his fellow Americans with the 99th Infantry Division during World War II's Battle of the Bulge; and

WHEREAS, an astute businessman and trailblazer, Mr. Parks was the owner of NASCAR's first championship winning team and played an integral role in the sport during its formative years; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Parks has been honored with an induction into the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame at Darlington, the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, he was nominated for the inaugural class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame and made the top 25; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Parks was united in love and marriage to his supportive wife, Violet; 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, he was a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation for integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness and, by the example he made of his life, he made this world a better place in which to live; and

WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous man, Mr. Parks will long be remembered for his love of family and friendship, and this loyal husband 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 Mr. Raymond Parks 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 Mr. Raymond Parks.