07 LC 96
2721
House
Resolution 785
By:
Representatives Heard of the
114th,
McKillip of the
115th,
and Smith of the
113th
A
RESOLUTION
Honoring
and remembering the life of educator Howard Burnette Stroud; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS,
Howard Burnette Stroud was born in Athens, Georgia, to the late George Edward
and Emma Mae Flanigan Stroud on March 31, 1930; and
WHEREAS,
after his honorable service in the United States army, Mr. Stroud earned his
master's degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta and taught in Clarke County
Schools before attaining further degrees at Atlanta University; and
WHEREAS,
in addition to teaching, Howard served Clarke County Schools in such
administrative capacities as counselor, principal, associate superintendent,
acting superintendent, and middle school and high school coordinator;
and
WHEREAS,
he carried himself with the utmost dignity and compassion and lived according to
the personal motto, "There's nothing greater for me than to serve my fellow man.
I feel compelled to make my community the best it can be"; and
WHEREAS,
he became a member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church at an early age and served
faithfully as a deacon and chairman of the Deacon Board; and
WHEREAS,
as a result of his passion for community involvement, he served as a board
member of Athens Regional Medical Center for 20 years, presiding as chairman for
several years, and was an active participant of such civic organizations as the
Classic City Center Authority, the Athens Technical Institute Board of
Directors, the East Athens Development Corporation, the Clarke County NAACP,
Kappa Alpha Psi, the Morton Theatre Corporation, the Athens Symphony, and the
Athens Area Retired Teachers Association; and
WHEREAS,
his professional skills led him to serve various boards beyond his local
community, including the National Association of Educators, the National
Alliance of Black School Educators, the National Association of Middle School
Principals, and the United Way of Northeast Georgia; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Stroud's leadership was instrumental in carrying Clarke County
Schools through the tense period of integration, and he is credited with
bringing the Academic Decathlon to the State of Georgia; and
WHEREAS,
he was the first recipient of the Howard B. Stroud Leadership Award, which was
named in his honor, and his numerous accolades include the Community Service
Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and many selfless
contributions to his fellow man; and
WHEREAS,
his immense dedication to his community was surpassed only by his loving
devotion to his family, and he is survived by his loving wife, Bettye; son,
Howard, Jr.; daughter, Kesha; brothers, George, Jr., Charles, and Melvin;
sisters, Erma Martin and Barbara Benton; brother-in-law, Ronald Baker; aunt,
Matilda Watson; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and numerous other
relatives, students, colleagues, and friends; and
WHEREAS,
in life he was an immeasurable source of strength and encouragement for several
generations of Georgians; at his death it is fitting and proper that we offer
our sympathies to his family and friends.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of
this body honor the life of this distinguished Georgia educator and servant of
the community, Howard Burnette Stroud, express their deepest regret at his
passing, 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
Howard Burnette Stroud.