07 LC 96
2548
House
Resolution 610
By:
Representative Burns of the
157th
A
RESOLUTION
Commending
Neil Wilkins Ratchford; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS,
Neil Wilkins Ratchford, a distinguished leader, husband, father, grandfather,
and exemplary citizen of Effingham County, has recently been awarded the Rotary
Club of Effingham County's Lifetime Service Above Self Award; and
WHEREAS,
Mr. Ratchford cofounded the Fifth Sunday Men's Breakfast with Lawton McDonald
Nease, Jr., to provide an opportunity for men of faith to express their
affection for their families, churches, and communities and partake of an
excellent meal of Ratchford's sausage, grits, eggs, and biscuits;
and
WHEREAS,
the Fifth Sunday Breakfast has served an estimated 10,000 men during its 50
years of operation, making it the longest running activity of its kind in the
region; and it has hosted a number of notable guests, including President Jimmy
Carter, U.S. Senators Sam Nunn and Mack Mattingly, numerous congressmen, and
state and local officials; and
WHEREAS,
Mr. Ratchford has served his country as a member of the National Guard, is the
owner and operator of Ratchford's Market with its famous Ratchford's Sausage,
and has been a member of the Republican Party for more than 50 years;
and
WHEREAS,
he has shared more than 50 years of wonderful marriage with Mary Butler
Ratchford, and they are blessed with four children; and
WHEREAS,
he has served his community as a member of the Guyton City Council, a director
of the Effingham County Hospital Authority, and a founding director for the
First National Bank of Effingham County; and
WHEREAS,
Mr. Ratchford is a fourth generation member of the historic Guyton Methodist
Church and has served marvelously as chef for church gatherings;
and
WHEREAS, he is esteemed throughout the community for his personable demeanor, and he has never hesitated to provide advice and assistance to a neighbor in need.
WHEREAS, he is esteemed throughout the community for his personable demeanor, and he has never hesitated to provide advice and assistance to a neighbor in need.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of
this body join in honoring Neil Wilkins Ratchford, commending his continuing
service to Effingham, the State of Georgia, and the United States, and extending
to him their sincerest best wishes for his future health and
happiness.
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 Neil Wilkins
Ratchford.