Bill
SR 477
Ceremonial resolutions mourning Jack D. Smith and honoring Carol H. Burrell; expresses condolences and recognition, with no legal, budgetary, or regulatory effects.
Bill number: SR 477
Title (as recorded): MEMORIAL — JACK D. SMITH
Status: Resolution Adopted
Introduced / Received by Secretary of the Senate: April 30, 2025
Final actions (selected): Read & adopted (May 5, 2025); Reported enrolled (May 5, 2025); Filed with Secretary (Oct 28, 2025)
Sponsors (primary): Senators Clint Dixon, Bo Hatchett, Drew Echols, Frank Ginn, Steve Gooch, Neil Anderson
Note: The version text provided includes two distinct resolution texts in one document: (A) a Georgia Senate commendation recognizing Carol H. Burrell, and (B) an Illinois Senate memorial for Jack D. Smith. The title and primary metadata identify the measure as a memorial for Jack D. Smith. Below are concise summaries of each text, procedural notes, and the measure’s practical effect.
Purpose and intent
- To mourn the passing of Jack D. Smith of Peoria and to extend the Senate’s condolences to his family, friends, and community.
Key provisions / content
- Recites biographical details:
- Born December 29, 1939, in Havana to Otis O. and Orlana M. (Williams) Smith.
- Graduated Havana High School (1957); served in the U.S. Navy.
- Married Reta Schaffer Wallace (1970); had one son (Tony).
- Employed by Caterpillar for 33 years; later held part-time jobs with City of Havana, retail stores in Morton, Peoria, and East Peoria.
- Known for generosity and love of Christmas.
- Predeceased by parents and several siblings; survived by son Roy Anthony “Tony” Smith, stepchildren, sister, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces/nephews.
- Formal resolves:
- The Senate mourns his passing and extends condolences.
- Directs that a suitable copy of the resolution be presented to his family.
Who is affected
- Primarily the family and close community of Jack D. Smith; the resolution is symbolic and honorary.
Impact and effect
- Purely ceremonial: expresses sympathy and memorializes the deceased. No legal or fiscal effects.
Purpose and intent
- To recognize and commend Carol H. Burrell for her leadership as President & CEO of Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS).
Key provisions / content
- Notes accomplishments and scope of leadership:
- CEO since 2011; grew NGHS from a one-hospital system to one of Georgia’s largest health organizations.
- System now comprises the Northeast Georgia Medical Center, physicians group, Georgia Heart Institute, graduate medical education, numerous outpatient facilities and long-term care/rehab centers.
- Leads more than 12,000 employees; NGHS has an estimated annual economic impact of nearly $7.5 billion.
- Awards and service: named Georgia’s Most Respected Business Leader by Georgia Trend; listed among the 100 Most Influential Georgians for 12 consecutive years; active in local and professional organizations.
- Resolves to recognize her service and directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide an appropriate copy of the resolution to Ms. Burrell.
Who is affected
- Carol H. Burrell, NGHS staff and leadership, and the broader Northeast Georgia community. Also purely honorary.
Impact and effect
- Ceremonial recognition with no legal or budgetary consequence.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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