WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SR 406

MEMORIAL-THOMAS W. RITTER

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chapin Rose and 1 co-sponsor

Georgia Senate memorializes Charles M. 'Buddy' Leger for 75+ yrs in agriculture, honoring his life and public service to the watermelon and pecan industries; a non-binding tribute.

Resolution Adopted
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 406

Summary — SR 406 (Memorial)

Status: Resolution Adopted
Introduced: April 11, 2025
Classification: Senate resolution (memorial)

Purpose

SR 406 is a memorial resolution adopted by the Senate to honor the life and public contributions of Charles M. “Buddy” Leger, a long‑time Georgia agricultural leader. The resolution expresses the Senate’s condolences to his family and recognizes his decades of service to the watermelon and pecan industries.

Key provisions / language

  • Officially honors and commemorates the life and public service of Charles M. “Buddy” Leger (b. June 9, 1931; d. February 28, 2025).
  • Lists career highlights and leadership roles in agriculture, and awards received.
  • Expresses the Senate’s “deepest and most sincere regret” at his passing.
  • Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and deliver an appropriate copy of the resolution to Leger’s family.

This is a non‑binding, ceremonial resolution only; it does not create legal duties, appropriate funds, or change public policy.

Biographical and contributions noted in the resolution

  • More than 75 years in agriculture; founder of Leger & Son, Inc. (watermelon and pecan production/marketing).
  • Earlier service with the Federal State Inspection Service and as manager of the Cordele Farmers Market (Georgia Dept. of Agriculture).
  • Leadership roles: chairman, Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Pecans; president, Georgia Pecan Growers Association; president, Georgia Watermelon Association; first president, National Watermelon Research and Promotion Board.
  • Federal and state advisory roles including participation on an agriculture transition team between presidential administrations.
  • Awards include multiple National Watermelon Association Outstanding Service Awards (1979, 1986, 1990), UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Medallion of Honor (2006), and induction into the UGA College of Agriculture Hall of Fame (2012).
  • Survived by his wife of 57 years, Marjorie, and four children.

Who is affected / impacted

  • Primary: Leger’s family, associates, and Georgia’s watermelon and pecan communities (recognition and public commemoration).
  • Secondary: broader agricultural community and constituents who value legislative recognition of notable citizens.
  • No statutory or budgetary impacts.

Procedural history & sponsors

  • Key actions recorded: Senate Read and Adopted (Mar 20, 2025); received by Secretary of the Senate (Apr 11, 2025); Read & Adopted and vote recorded (Apr 14, 2025); Reported enrolled (Apr 14, 2025). Final entries also show filing/adoption actions in October 2025.
  • Primary sponsors (Georgia): Marty Harbin, Chuck Payne, Shawn Still, Billy Hickman, Larry Walker III, David Lucas, Ed Harbison, Bill Cowsert, Bo Hatchett, Randy Robertson, Colton Moore, Matt Brass, Max Burns, Timothy Bearden, Carden Summers, Freddie Powell Sims, John Albers, Chuck Hufstetler, Josh McLaurin, Russ Goodman, Sam Watson, Lee Anderson, Steve Gooch, Blake Tillery, Ben Watson, John F. Kennedy, Sally J. Turner. Chapin Rose is listed as a chief co‑sponsor on later filings.

Note on document contents

The enrolled/version text provided includes language from two distinct memorial resolutions: one honoring Charles M. “Buddy” Leger (Georgia) and a separate Illinois Senate resolution (SR0406) honoring Thomas William “Tom” Ritter (Blue Mound, IL). The operative memorial adopted here and the sponsors listed correspond to the Georgia resolution about Buddy Leger; the inclusion of the Illinois text appears to be a clerical merge in the provided document and does not change the substance of the Georgia memorial resolution.

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

Sign in to ask a question.