08
LC 95 1038
House
Resolution 2119
By:
Representatives Wilkinson of the
52nd,
Lindsey of the
54th,
Peake of the
137th,
O`Neal of the
146th,
Keen of the
179th,
and others
A
RESOLUTION
Recognizing
and honoring the life of Charlie Yates and proclaiming May 30, 2008, as "Charlie
Yates Day" in Georgia; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS,
Charlie Yates was born on September 9, 1913, was a noted amateur golfer,
businessman, and civic leader in Atlanta, beloved for his generosity of spirit,
grace, humor, humility, and integrity; and
WHEREAS,
Charlie Yates was a link to Atlanta's vast golf history who later shepherded the
city's arts community into the future and was once heralded by
Life
magazine as owning "the best grin in golf"; and
WHEREAS,
a participant in the city's history for much of the 20th century, it is
appropriate that he be remembered first for his smile and a benevolent demeanor
that underscored his life; and
WHEREAS,
he was mentored by Bobby Jones and played with Mr. Jones in his final round in
1948 at East Lake Golf Club; and
WHEREAS,
Mr. Yates was a national college champion while at Georgia Tech in 1934 and a
two-time Walker Cup competitor who seized the international limelight at the
1938 British Amateur at Royal Troon; and
WHEREAS,
he became a fixture at the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, playing in 11
of the early championships and winning low amateur five times; and
WHEREAS,
for 50 years, he served on the press committee, was a constant presence in the
media quarters, and to many who returned to the Masters year after year, was a
Masters tradition in himself; and
WHEREAS,
in 1973, he accepted Mayor Ivan Allen's suggestion that he retire from business
at age 60 and head up the Woodruff Arts Center, since he had already served as
president of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and helped to recruit Robert Shaw as
its conductor, making him the perfect person for the job, and he became
instrumental in getting Atlanta's city leaders to see how Atlanta's strategy
should include the development of world class arts and organizations; and
WHEREAS,
he served his country admirably and was a loving husband to his wife of 61
years, Dorothy Malone, and a devoted father and grandfather to his four children
and five grandchildren; and
WHEREAS,
he was a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation for
integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness; his loyalty, competency,
reliability, and enthusiasm distinguished his superlative service to this state;
and his ready smile and his friendship were counted by everyone as special gifts
to be forever treasured; and
WHEREAS,
the inaugural Charlie Yates Memorial Junior-Senior Foursomes Golf Championship
will be held on May 30, 2008; and
WHEREAS,
it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this
distinguished Georgian be appropriately recognized.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of
this body recognize Charlie Yates; honor him for his many decades of efficient,
effective, unselfish, and dedicated service to the citizens of this state;
proclaim May 30, 2008, as "Charlie Yates Day" in Georgia; and extend to his
family their most sincere condolences for their loss.
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
Charlie Yates.