Georgia SR 1072: Stevens, John Phinizy; condolences

Bill Text

16 LC 110 0287
S. R. 1072
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Senate Resolution 1072
By: Senators Heath of the 31st, Hill of the 4th, Bethel of the 54th, Stone of the 23rd, Millar
of the 40th and others
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life and memory of John Phinizy Stevens; and for other purposes.1
WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens2
with the passing of John Phinizy Stevens on January 28, 2016; and3
WHEREAS, he was born in Americus, Georgia, in 1929, the beloved son of Morgan and4
Maggie Sue Stevens; and5
WHEREAS, due to his father's death at an early age, young John with the help of his mother6
learned to become self-sufficient and very independent; and7
WHEREAS, he enjoyed an excellent education, graduating from Americus High School8
where he played football and was a runner on the track and field team, completing his9
education at the Emory campus in Valdosta, and later graduating from Emory University in10
Atlanta; and11
WHEREAS, he enjoyed a very rewarding career in the financial industry, beginning his12
banking career with the First National Bank of Atlanta in 1950, and ending his corporate life13
when he retired as Executive Vice President of the Government Division of Wachovia Bank14
in 1994; and15
WHEREAS, John also participated in a number of business ventures and business16
associations, including the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Bankers Association,17
and many others, and enjoyed rewarding relationships with numerous charitable entities,18
which among those included work with the Boys & Girls Clubs; and19
WHEREAS, he had a great love of the outdoors and, in particular, enjoyed spending time20
hunting quail, riding his John Deere tractor, tending to his cows, and playing with his dogs;21
and22

16 LC 110 0287
S. R. 1072
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WHEREAS, John was an avid and passionate aviator, learning to fly a crop duster at the age23
of 12 and continuing well into his retirement; and24
WHEREAS, a thoughtful and hard-working man, his favorite saying was, "Success requires25
no explanation, failure permits no alibi"; and26
WHEREAS, while his family and friends mourn his death, he leaves behind a storied legacy27
of working with elected officials during a critical era in Georgia legislative history, bringing28
pre-modern Georgia into the modern age up to the year 2010; and29
WHEREAS, it is known that John's years of service at the capitol were never for personal30
gain but for the betterment and benefit of all citizens in our good state, and he will always31
be remembered for his unyielding love for his family, his state, and his nation; and32
WHEREAS, John was a proud family man who enjoyed his children and grandchildren and33
adored his wife, Joyce Carter Stevens, to whom he was married for over 28 years.34
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body35
honor and pay tribute to the late John Phinizy Stevens for his years of efficient, effective,36
unselfish, and dedicated service to the State of Georgia and join his family in celebrating the37
life of a great Georgian.38
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed39
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Joyce Carter40
Stevens.41