Bill Text: GA SR1457 | 2009-2010 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Thomas, Dr. Donald R.; commend
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 6-0)
Status: (Passed) 2010-04-29 - Senate Read and Adopted [SR1457 Detail]
Download: Georgia-2009-SR1457-Enrolled.html
10
Senate
Resolution 1457
By:
Senators Hamrick of the 30th, Tolleson of the 20th, Harp of the 29th, Unterman
of the 45th, Mullis of the 53rd and others
A
RESOLUTION
Commending
the Honorable Dr. Donald R. Thomas on the occasion of his retirement from the
Georgia Senate and declaring him Doctor of the Day, Emeritus; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS,
the Honorable Dr. Donald R. Thomas has diligently and conscientiously
represented the people of the 54th District in the Georgia State Senate with
honor and distinction since 1996; and
WHEREAS,
in addition to his unyielding dedication and commitment to representing the best
interests of his constituents, Senator Thomas has served as a pillar of support
for the mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being of the staff and his
colleagues in the Georgia General Assembly; and
WHEREAS,
the esteemed Senator from the 54th is an excellent physician who listens to what
ails you, does not over-medicate, demonstrates an unconditional willingness to
treat you, and has been known to write a prescription for recess so you can go
and play, and who, no matter what the circumstances or the weather, will always
greet you with "It's a beautiful day"; and
WHEREAS,
Senator Thomas has the best sense of humor and tells the best jokes, and this
body's favorite joke is his one about the polar bear, peas, and the ice hole;
and
WHEREAS,
always the first to laugh when the joke is on him, Senator Thomas enjoys
re-telling the story of the time he drove from Dalton to the capitol for a
meeting having accidently left his shoes at home, as he goes barefoot at home
most of the time, and how he proudly walked into the capitol with bare feet,
borrowed a pair of shoes, went to his meeting, returned the shoes with a nice
thank you note tucked inside, and drove back home barefoot at the end of the
day; and
WHEREAS,
a native of Whitfield County, Georgia, Senator Thomas still lives on the family
farm he grew up on, raising cows and chickens and honoring the place where his
values took root; and
WHEREAS,
he earned a bachelor's degree from Georgia Southern University, where he met and
fell in love with his beautiful wife Emma Jean Brock; and
WHEREAS,
Senator Thomas earned a medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and
began a family practice with Whitfield Medical Professional Associates in Dalton
in 1960, a practice he has maintained now for 50 years; and
WHEREAS,
after a heart attack threatened to derail his dreams at the age of 36, Senator
Thomas became an early role model for taking a proactive approach to wellness,
jogging several miles each day, a routine which he continues to maintain today
at the age of 76; and
WHEREAS,
this talented physician and generous man began his political career in 1972 with
his election to the Whitfield County School Board and has spent the last 14
years distinguishing himself as an astute statesman in the Georgia Senate;
and
WHEREAS,
as chairman of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, Senator Thomas
was instrumental in establishing Georgia's public smoking ban, made cold
medicine used in methamphetamine labs harder to purchase, expanded cervical
cancer screening, required that teenagers pass a driver's education course, and
combated childhood obesity; and
WHEREAS,
a man of strong character and humble nature with a determination to protect the
welfare of Georgians, Senator Thomas passionately fought for legislation to
close the loophole that does not require pickup truck drivers to wear a
seatbelt; and
WHEREAS,
Senator Thomas and his wife, Emma Jean, have been blessed with eight children,
Angela, Melody, Ondray, Mark, Joye, John, Mary, and Robe; 19 grandchildren,
Michael, Caleb, Brock, Abby, David, Emily, Thomas, Sam, Sarah, Jack, Anna, Emma,
Elizabeth, Kelly, Bowen, Brandon, Candace, Annie, and Katie; and three
great-grandchildren, Maggie, Katie Charlotte, and Merriweather; and
WHEREAS,
despite his many accomplishments, his humble nature endears him to all he
encounters, and his Godly nature and loving countenance reflect a close
relationship with Jesus Christ who leads, guides, and directs his steps; and
WHEREAS,
a consummate positive influence in the General Assembly, Dr. Don will be sorely
missed upon his retirement, but he will always be in the hearts of his friends
at the capitol and will always be on call to serve all of Georgia.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body recognize
the amazing political career of the Honorable Dr. Donald R. Thomas, the
physician who champions for Georgia, and declare him Doctor of the Day,
Emeritus.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the Honorable Dr. Donald
R. Thomas.
