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HR 688

Commending Greg Dynia.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Carrie Coyner

HR 688 awards a ceremonial commendation to Dr. John 'Johnny' Savage for a lifetime of public service (military, dentistry, politics) and mentorship; directs an official copy.

Bill text as passed House (HR688ER)
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Bill Summary · HR 688

Summary — House Resolution 688 (HR 688)

Title: Savage, Dr. John "Johnny"; commend
Classification: House Resolution (ceremonial)
Introduced: January 23, 2025
Status: Read and adopted (House) — Adopted April 9, 2025

Purpose

HR 688 is a non-binding, honorary resolution that commends Dr. John "Johnny" Savage for his lifetime of public service, professional achievement, mentorship, and community contributions. It recognizes his military service, dental career, legislative service, and personal acts of courage and mentorship.

Key provisions

  • Formally commends Dr. John "Johnny" Savage for his “unselfish, dedicated, and loving service” to family, community, state, and nation.
  • Extends the House’s “most sincere best wishes for continued health and happiness.”
  • Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and make available an appropriate copy of the resolution for distribution to Dr. Savage.

Background and notable biographical highlights (as recited in the resolution)

  • Born April 16, 1934; graduated Emory Dental School in 1959.
  • Long dental career — practiced in Ebro, Florida, often providing pro bono care; continued practicing until age 89.
  • Served in the United States Navy Dental Corps; served aboard the USS Glacier during Operation Deep Freeze (Antarctica); a glacier was later named in his honor.
  • Served three terms in the Georgia House of Representatives representing Fulton County (once as a Democrat, twice as a Republican); was the Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia in 1974.
  • Mentored Otis “Jazzbo” Ikner — cited as the first Black male dental hygienist in the U.S.; authored the book Johnny and Jazzbo: A True Story.
  • Cited for acts of courage, including rescuing a man from a sinking car.
  • Family mentioned: mother Mildred, sister Nora, and son Mark.

Who is affected / impact

  • Primary beneficiary: Dr. John "Johnny" Savage (honorary recognition and an official copy of the resolution).
  • Secondary: his family, community, and constituents who receive formal recognition of his service.
  • Legal/fiscal impact: None — the resolution is honorary and creates no enforceable rights, obligations, or expenditures beyond routine production of a copy for distribution.

Procedural timeline (selected)

  • 2025-01-23: Introduced and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  • 2025-03-21: House first reading; recorded as Read and Adopted on House Hopper/First Readers docket.
  • 2025-03-29: Filed.
  • 2025-04-02: Referred to Local & Consent Calendars.
  • 2025-04-08: Considered on Local & Consent Calendars.
  • 2025-04-09: Placed on Congratulatory & Memorial Resolutions Calendar; laid before the House; adopted (nonrecord vote recorded in the Journal); reported enrolled.

Sponsors

Primary sponsors listed: Nancy Mace; Danny Mathis; Martin Momtahan; Mitchell Scoggins; Matthew Gambill; Gerald Greene; Joseph Gullett.

Note: HR 688 is ceremonial and intended to publicly recognize and honor Dr. Savage’s life and service rather than to change law or public policy.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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