HJ795: Celebrating the life of George Frank Harris.

WHEREAS, George Frank Harris of Dillwyn, a respected educator and community volunteer, died on October 26, 2008; and

WHEREAS, a native of Buckingham County, George Harris was born to Annie L. Nicholas Harris and George Phillip Harris on April 1, 1915, and was one of 10 siblings; and

WHEREAS, George Harris attended Buckingham Training School and received a bachelor’s degree from Virginia State College (now University) and a master’s degree in Secondary Education and Guidance; he also pursued further study at Tuskegee Institute, the University of Kentucky (Lexington), and the University of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, George Harris married the late Americus Burrell Harris and they had two wonderful children, Marcia and Karl, and were married 49 years; and

WHEREAS, a lifelong educator, George Harris began his career before he even attended college by substitute teaching and teaching adult education; and

WHEREAS, George Harris served as a teacher and principal in Gloucester County from 1940 to 1947; he then served as principal of Buckingham Training School and Carter G. Woodson High School; and

WHEREAS, recognized for his leadership abilities, George Harris served as Director of Federal Projects and Director of Instruction for Buckingham County Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, mindful of the needs of the community, George Harris was a member of many organizations including the Voter’s League, local and state boards of the American Cancer Society, the Dillwyn Fire Department, and the NAACP; and

WHEREAS, innovative and hardworking, George Harris was instrumental in founding and developing the Buckingham Afro-American Life & History Society, Central Virginia Health Center, Buckingham County Library, Buckingham County’s first Head Start Program, and the first dental clinic in Buckingham County; and

WHEREAS, George Harris was a faithful member of Jerusalem Baptist Church and served as a member of the deacon and trustee boards, senior choir, and Pastor’s Aid society; and

WHEREAS, George Harris will be fondly remembered for his kind and generous nature and will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Elizabeth; his grandchildren, Thais and Karl; and his many friends and admirers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of a fine educator and outstanding Virginian, George Frank Harris; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of George Frank Harris as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.

WHEREAS, George Frank Harris of Dillwyn, a respected educator and community volunteer, died on October 26, 2008; and

WHEREAS, a native of Buckingham County, George Harris was born to Annie L. Nicholas Harris and George Phillip Harris on April 1, 1915, and was one of 10 siblings; and

WHEREAS, George Harris attended Buckingham Training School and received a bachelors degree from Virginia State College (now University) and a masters degree in Secondary Education and Guidance; he also pursued further study at Tuskegee Institute, the University of Kentucky (Lexington), and the University of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, George Harris married the late Americus Burrell Harris and they had two wonderful children, Marcia and Karl, and were married 49 years; and

WHEREAS, a lifelong educator, George Harris began his career before he even attended college by substitute teaching and teaching adult education; and

WHEREAS, George Harris served as a teacher and principal in Gloucester County from 1940-1947; he then served as principal of Buckingham Training School and Carter G. Woodson High School; and

WHEREAS, recognized for his leadership abilities, he also served as Director of Federal Projects and Director of Instruction for Buckingham County Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, mindful of the needs of the community, George Harris was a member of many organizations including the Voters League, local and state boards of the American Cancer Society, the Dillwyn Fire Department, and the NAACP; and

WHEREAS, innovative and hardworking, George Harris was instrumental in founding and developing the Buckingham Afro-American Life & History Society, Central Virginia Health Center, Buckingham County Library, Buckingham Countys first Head Start Program, and the first dental clinic in Buckingham County; and

WHEREAS, George Harris was a faithful member of the Jerusalem Baptist Church and served as a member of the deacon and trustee boards, senior choir, and Pastors Aid society; and

WHEREAS, George Harris will be fondly remembered for his kind and generous nature and greatly missed by his loving wife, Elizabeth; his grandchildren, Thais and Karl; and his numerous friends and admirers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of a fine educator and outstanding Virginian, George Frank Harris; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of George Frank Harris as an expression of the General Assemblys respect for his memory.