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SR 359

MEMORIAL-GARY E. PIERCE

104th Regular Session Introduced by Dave Koehler

Georgia designates part of SR 92 in Douglas County as 'Perry Parkway' and requires DOT signage.

Resolution Adopted
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Bill Summary · SR 359

Summary — SR 359

Status: Resolution Adopted
Introduced: March 31, 2025
Classification: Resolution

Note on source text: The file for SR 359 contains two distinct resolution texts that appear to have been combined in the record. One is a Georgia Senate resolution dedicating a roadway to Tyler Perry; the other is an Illinois Senate memorial resolution mourning the death of Gary E. Pierce. Both are summarized below.

A. Georgia Senate Resolution — Dedication: “Perry Parkway”

Purpose and intent
- To formally dedicate a portion of State Route 92 in Douglas County, Georgia, in honor of entertainer and producer Tyler Perry, in recognition of his cultural, economic, and philanthropic contributions to the state.

Key provisions
- Designation: The portion of State Route 92 from Interstate 20 to Riverside Parkway in Douglas County is dedicated as the “Perry Parkway.”
- Signage: The Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) is authorized and directed to erect and maintain appropriate signs reflecting the dedication.
- Distribution: The Secretary of the Senate is directed to provide appropriate copies of the resolution to Mr. Tyler Perry and to the DOT.

Context and background (from the resolution preamble)
- Summarizes Tyler Perry’s biography and accomplishments: born September 13, 1969; early theatrical work in Atlanta; successful films and television series (including House of Payne, Meet the Browns, and series on OWN); establishment of a 200,000 sq. ft. studio in Atlanta; purchase and redevelopment plans for Fort McPherson (330 acres) to expand film and TV production facilities; and philanthropic activity through the Tyler Perry Foundation and other charities.

Who is affected
- Local road users and residents of Douglas County (name change for the specified corridor).
- Georgia DOT (responsible for signage installation and maintenance).
- Tyler Perry (honoree; recipient of copies of the resolution).

Procedural/timeline highlights
- Introduced March 31, 2025; read and adopted April 2, 2025; reported enrolled the same period. The resolution directs DOT action but involves no appropriation.

B. Illinois Senate Resolution — Memorial for Gary E. Pierce

Purpose and intent
- To mourn the passing of Gary E. Pierce (died June 1, 2025) and to extend condolences to his family and friends; to present a copy of the resolution to his family as an expression of sympathy.

Key provisions
- The Illinois Senate expresses sorrow at Mr. Pierce’s death and extends condolences to his survivors.
- The resolution directs that a suitable copy be presented to the family.

Biographical details (from the preamble)
- Born February 6, 1943, in Springfield, IL; served in the Illinois Air National Guard (1964–1970).
- Worked as a machinist at Komatsu (retired after 30 years); member of International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local 158.
- Avid reader and traveler; survived by his wife Barbara (“Barb”), son Douglas (and family), siblings, and extended family.

Who is affected
- Family and friends of Gary E. Pierce; the resolution is ceremonial and does not change law or policy.

Procedural/timeline highlights
- Appears in the Illinois Senate as a memorial resolution; adopted and a copy to be presented to the family.

Sponsors and Cosponsors (as recorded)

  • Multiple primary sponsors listed (largely Georgia Senate members), and later notation indicates “Co-Sponsor All Senators” (filed Oct 14, 2025) and referral to Resolutions Consent Calendar.

Overall impact

  • Both parts are ceremonial/resolution measures. The Georgia component effects a roadway dedication and directs DOT to install signage; it is symbolic recognition of Tyler Perry’s contributions and may carry local branding/wayfinding implications. The Illinois component is a standard legislative memorial expressing condolences and presenting a copy of the resolution to the bereaved family. Neither provision creates regulatory changes or appropriates funds.

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

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