07 LC 96
2489
House
Resolution 601
By:
Representative Powell of the
29th
A
RESOLUTION
Honoring
and remembering the life of Owen Alfred Atkinson; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS,
the State of Georgia lost one of its most distinguished citizens with the
passing of Owen Alfred "Red" Atkinson on February 21, 2007, at the age of 83;
and
WHEREAS,
he was born in Hartwell, Georgia, on January 29, 1924, and grew up during the
Great Depression, living with his family in Tampa, Florida; and
WHEREAS,
he graduated at the age of 17 from Hartwell High School, where he played wide
receiver for the football team; and
WHEREAS,
he attended Mercer University, nobly interrupting his studies to enlist in the
United States Navy during World War II, serving as Boatswain's Mate Third Class
aboard the USS Knapp
in the Pacific Theatre; and
WHEREAS,
as a rescue swimmer, he heroically saved a number of lives, retrieving stranded
sailors and airmen; and
WHEREAS,
upon returning to his beloved Georgia, he married the love of his life,
Patricia, and settled in the Reed Creek community; and
WHEREAS,
he became a pillar of the Hart County community, serving on the Hart County
School Board, as a Hart County Commissioner, and as a moderator of the Hebron
Baptist Association, where he was instrumental in starting the district Hebron
Baptist Association Youth Basketball League; and
WHEREAS,
he was a long-time employee of Owens Corning Fiberglass, where he retired as a
production scheduler, and he continued to work in the lawn and garden department
of the Hartwell Wal-Mart until the age of 80;
and
WHEREAS, in life he commanded the esteem of his fellow Georgians, and his dedication to serving his community was surpassed only by his love for his family; and
WHEREAS, in life he commanded the esteem of his fellow Georgians, and his dedication to serving his community was surpassed only by his love for his family; and
WHEREAS,
it is fitting and proper that we extend sympathy to his family, colleagues, and
friends.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of
this body join together to express their deepest regret at the passing of Owen
Alfred Atkinson and extend their most sincere condolences to his
family.
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
Owen Alfred Atkinson.