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2009 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 795

 

Celebrating the life of George Frank Harris.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 30, 2009
Agreed to by the Senate, February 5, 2009
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WHEREAS, George Frank Harris of Dillwyn, a respected educator and community volunteer, died on October 26, 2008; and

WHEREAS, a native of Buckingham County, George Harris was born to Annie L. Nicholas Harris and George Phillip Harris on April 1, 1915, and was one of 10 siblings; and

WHEREAS, George Harris attended Buckingham Training School and received a bachelor’s degree from Virginia State College (now University) and a master’s degree in Secondary Education and Guidance; he also pursued further study at Tuskegee Institute, the University of Kentucky (Lexington), and the University of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, George Harris married the late Americus Burrell Harris and they had two wonderful children, Marcia and Karl, and were married 49 years; and

WHEREAS, a lifelong educator, George Harris began his career before he even attended college by substitute teaching and teaching adult education; and

WHEREAS, George Harris served as a teacher and principal in Gloucester County from 1940 to 1947; he then served as principal of Buckingham Training School and Carter G. Woodson High School; and

WHEREAS, recognized for his leadership abilities, George Harris served as Director of Federal Projects and Director of Instruction for Buckingham County Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, mindful of the needs of the community, George Harris was a member of many organizations including the Voter’s League, local and state boards of the American Cancer Society, the Dillwyn Fire Department, and the NAACP; and

WHEREAS, innovative and hardworking, George Harris was instrumental in founding and developing the Buckingham Afro-American Life & History Society, Central Virginia Health Center, Buckingham County Library, Buckingham County’s first Head Start Program, and the first dental clinic in Buckingham County; and

WHEREAS, George Harris was a faithful member of Jerusalem Baptist Church and served as a member of the deacon and trustee boards, senior choir, and Pastor’s Aid society; and

WHEREAS, George Harris will be fondly remembered for his kind and generous nature and will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Elizabeth; his grandchildren, Thais and Karl; and his many friends and admirers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of a fine educator and outstanding Virginian, George Frank Harris; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of George Frank Harris as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.