MEMORIAL-GEORGE L. DOWELL

104th Regular Session Introduced by Brandun Schweizer

Declares the death and honors Bishop George Lee Dowell for his religious leadership, public service, and community contributions in Danville.

Resolution Adopted

Summary of Bill: HR0941 (104th General Assembly, Illinois)

Purpose and Intent

HR0941 is a House Resolution commemorating and mourning the death of Bishop George Lee Dowell of Danville, Illinois, who passed away on May 11, 2026 at the age of 78.

The resolution expresses condolences to Dowell’s family, friends, and community, recognizing his life, service, and contributions.

Key Provisions and Provisions’ Effects

Declares the death of Bishop George Lee Dowell and acknowledges his multifaceted service as a religious leader, community volunteer, and public servant.

Details Dowell’s biography and accomplishments, including:

Military service: U.S. Navy veteran (honorably discharged Oct. 18, 1972).
Professional career: work at the Danville Veterans Administration Medical Center; roles as a nursing assistant, substance abuse counselor, deputy sheriff, supervisor at Wyman Gordon, employee and later supervisor at the Danville Correctional Center; retired as third shift supervisor/captain; later served as a bailiff for the Vermilion County Circuit Court for about 13 years.
Education: earned an associate’s degree in police science later in life.
Ministry: ordained in 1976; long-time minister at Collett Street Church of Christ (30 years) and interim pastor for other ministries; founder of the 21st Century Christian Worship Center (2013) and administrator of the church.
Community involvement: member of Civic Center Board, Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Committee, and Board of Fire & Police Commissioners.
Personal traits and legacy: known as “Tae Tae,” devoted to family, ministry, youth, and charitable acts; notable for preaching, kindness, humor, and selfless giving.

The resolution directs that a suitable copy be presented to Dowell’s family as an expression of deepest sympathy.

Who or What is Affected

Primary subject: Bishop George Lee Dowell and his immediate family.

Broad impact: acknowledges and honors Dowell’s contributions to the Danville community, including religious leadership, public service, and community organizations.

Recipients: Dowell’s family, friends, and those affected by his ministries and service.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

This is a memorial resolution (a ceremonial plus-acknowledgment) introduced in the Illinois House of Representatives.

The resolution includes a sponsor (Co-sponsor: Brandun Schweizer) and follows standard legislative formatting for a memorial tribute.

No fiscal impact, regulatory changes, or policy alterations are proposed; the action is symbolic and ceremonial.

Noteworthy Details

Full biographical summary provided, including dates (birth: August 7, 1947; death: May 11, 2026) and various roles across military, public service, and church leadership.

The bill does not create new programs or funding; it serves to publicly honor a community figure.