WHEREAS Roland Johnson has served three highly successful terms as the chief executive of Garden City and in those twelve years under Mayor Johnson's leadership the city has enjoyed steadily improving streets, roads and public buildings, testimonials of which are the recently dedicated town hall and the soon to be completed overpass within the corporate limits; and WHEREAS Mayor Johnson is widely known as a songwriter and performer, being a former member of the Strawberry Pickers Band which accompanied former governor Big Jim Folsom in two gubernatorial campaigns, and worked alongside future Governor George C. Wallace to help elect Folsom in 1954; and WHEREAS Roland Johnson has also appeared as a recording artist on the Decca label, and has written and performed many notable songs such as "Play Them Bones" with the Francis Craig Orchestra, "Cornbread and Buttermilk Made Me What I Am," and his greatest hit "I Traded Her Love for Deep Purple Wine;" and WHEREAS Roland Johnson demonstrated that he is athletically as well as politically and musically talented when he played professional baseball in the Brooklyn Dodgers system, assigned to the Mobile Area; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That in honor of his many accomplishments and as a token of the esteem in which Roland Johnson is held by his fellow citizens, the section of newly constructed road connecting U. S. Highway 31 with Cullman County Road 26 at Garden City is hereby designated the "Roland 'Racehorse' Johnson Parkway." BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That the State Highway Department is authorized and directed to erect appropriate road signs along the parkway named herein. RESOLVED FURTHER That copies of this resolution be sent to Mayor Roland Johnson. Approved August 23, 1976. Time: 3:00 P.M. Act No. 419 H.J.R. 336-McMillan, McCorquodale HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE DEATH OF WILLIAM D. HARRI GAN. WHEREAS, The Alabama Legislature notes with deep regret the death of William D. Harrigan of Fulton, Alabama, on August 3, 1976; and WHEREAS, William D. Harrigan, at the time of his death, was the President of Scotch Lumber Company in Fulton, Alabama, and was recognized throughout the South as an outstanding leader in the lumber industry; and WHEREAS, William D. Harrigan developed the Scotch Lumber Company, which was incorporated in 1892 by his late father, into one of the most modern sawmills in the South, and through his indefatigable energies the mill's annual production placed it among the largest producers of board in the region and included a modern plywood plant in its operations; and WHEREAS, even in the early 1900's William D. Harrigan exhibited his farsightedness and vision by placing his forest acreage under a multiple-use management program and pioneered the conservationally sound tree-planting program to ensure adequate wood fibre for future generations to come; and WHEREAS, William D. Harrigan's pioneering spirit has contributed to the prosperity and economy of Alabama; and WHEREAS, William D. Harrigan during periods of recession and depression in this nation showed his great dedication and love for his community when he continued operating his mill at a financial loss in order to provide employment and income for the people in and around Fulton; and WHEREAS, William D. Harrigan was ever ready to contribute to the needs of his neighbors and indeed his charity was so widespread that it is impossible to cite all of his generous contributions for the betterment and progress of his neighbors, community, state and nation; and WHEREAS, William D. Harrigan was graduated from Georgetown University and Georgetown Law School and was a member of the Alabama Bar Association; WHEREAS, William D. Harrigan served as president and was a member of the Southern Pine Association and the Alabama Forestry Association, and he served on the Alabama Docks Advisory Board; and WHEREAS, William D. Harrigan gained the respect and fond feelings of those who knew him, whether friend or mere acquaintance; and WHEREAS, William D. Harrigan is survived by his wife, Mrs. William D. (Dorine) Harrigan; his son, William Dwight Harrigan; his daughter, Mrs. Eunice Woods; his sister, Mrs. Virginia O'Melia; and five grandchildren; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That we deeply mourn the death of William D. Harrigan and extend our heartfelt sympathy to the surviving members of his family to whom copies of this resolution shall be sent. Approved August 23, 1976. Time: 3:00 P.M. Act No. 420 H.J.R. 248--McNees HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION COMMENDING J. PAUL SPRINGFIELD UPON HIS RETIREMENT WHEREAS, Mr. J. Paul Springfield has recently retired as the manager of the Tombigbee Electric Cooperative after 26 years of service with the Cooperative; and WHEREAS, J. Paul is every ready to contribute to the needs of his neighbors and for the progress and betterment of his hometown, state and country; and WHEREAS, J. Paul has exhibited throughout his life those admirable attributes of friendliness, devotion to duty, and concern for his fellowmen, gaining the respect and affection of all who know him; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That we sincerely commend J. Paul Springfield for his devoted 26 year career with the Tombigbee Electric Cooperative. RESOLVED FURTHER, That J. Paul Springfield receive a copy of this resolution. WHEREAS, the Clay County Freedom Singers from Clay County High School have distinguished themselves by their exceptional performances throughout the State of Alabama, at Disney World, and at the President's Garden in Washington D.C.; and WHEREAS, these fifty singers under the organization of Sandy Snow feature a program of stirring patriotic songs to remind all of us of our great nation's heritage; and WHEREAS, the Clay County Freedom Singers who are sponsored by Clay County High School and the Clay County Bicentennial Committee have provided immeasurable enjoyment to the many thousands who have attended their performances; and WHEREAS, these singers have made such an important contribution to recognize our country's greatness in its bicentennial year; and WHEREAS, the Clay County Freedom Singers have proven themselves to be an excellent representative of their school, country, and state; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That we commend the Clay County Freedom Singers for their many fine performances and for their meritorious salute to our nation's two hundred year history. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be sent to Hamilton "Sandy" Snow, Mrs. Sheryl Bonner, Mrs. Dot Fulbright, Mr. Paul Dick, Mr. Lee Bonner, and Mr. Don Fulbright. Approved August 23, 1976. Time: 3:00 P.M. Act No. 422 H.J.R. 250--McNees HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION COMMENDING ROBERT PENNINGTON UPON HIS RETIREMENT WHEREAS, Mr. Robert Pennington has recently retired as the assistant manager of the Tombigbee Electric Cooperative after 31 years of devoted service with the Cooperative; and WHEREAS, Robert is a devoted community builder who has served his people with great concern and dedication; and WHEREAS, Robert is a versatile person, sensitive to the needs of his business and community, and one who contributes generously of his time and talent; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That we sincerely commend Robert Pennington for his distinguished and devoted career of 31 years with the Tombigbee Electric Cooperative. RESOLVED FURTHER, That Robert Pennington receive a copy of this resolution. Approved August 23, 1976. Time: 3:00 P.M. Act No. 423 H.J.R. 354-Teague, McCluskey, Dial HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE DEATH OF DR. HERMAN LONG WHEREAS The Alabama Legislature has noted with a sense of deep regret the passing of Dr. Herman Long; and WHEREAS Dr. Herman Long, one of the foremost black educators in the nation, has served as President of Talladega College since 1963; and WHEREAS under Dr. Long's leadership, Talladega College now ranks 10th in the nation in the percentage of male graduates who go on to become doctors and 55th in the percent of graduates who continue into professional or graduate school; and WHEREAS, as a graduate of the school himself, Dr. Long sought to inspire his students to achieve the most from their education, and was extremely pleased to see educationally deprived students make something of themselves; and WHEREAS, Dr. Herman Long was a leader in the United Negro College Fund and community affairs; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That we mourn the death of Dr. Herman Long and express our deepest and sincerest sympathy to his widow, Mrs. Henrietta S. Long and to his family to whom a copy of this resolution shall be sent. Approved August 23, 1976. |