Louisiana SR 59: CONDOLENCES: Expresses sincere and heartfelt condolences on the passing of Gerald Kimble.

Bill Text

2026 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 59
BY SENATOR JENKINS
A RESOLUTION
To express the sincere and heartfelt condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of
Louisiana upon the passing of Gerald Kimble.
WHEREAS, it is with deep sorrow and profound regret that the members of the
Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana have learned of the passing of Gerald Kimble, a
legendary figure in Louisiana athletics and a beloved coach and mentor, on March 31, 2026,
at the age of eighty-four; and
WHEREAS, Gerald Kimble was a proud alumnus of Southern University and A&M
College and etched his name into Southern University history as a distinguished and
versatile student-athlete, serving as the quarterback for the 1960 Jaguars football team that
secured a Black College Football Championship and was also a member of the 1960
Southwestern Athletic Conference championship baseball team; and
WHEREAS, his professional calling as a coach was defined by his transformative
leadership, first exhibited at Green Oaks High School in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he
famously reversed the Giants previous winless season into the their first ever winning
season, achieving a historic 8-2 record, and led the Giants to their first district championship
and playoff appearance, instilling a spirit of "Giant Pride" in the community; and
WHEREAS, his illustrious career included service as head coach at his alma mater,
Southern University, and Southern University Laboratory School, where he led the Kittens
to a Class 1A state championship in 1996, demonstrating his unique ability to develop
champions at every level of competition; and
WHEREAS, Coach Kimble's impact extended beyond the sidelines as he served as
a trusted and respected voice for the Southern University Jaguars as a football commentator
with the Southern University Radio Network, sharing his knowledge and passion for the
game with generations of fans; and
WHEREAS, a pillar of the Shreveport-Bossier community, Coach Kimble was
honored in 2022 with commemorative coins issued by the city to honor his enduring
influence; and
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SR NO. 59 ENROLLED
WHEREAS, Gerald Kimble was a devoted family man whose legacy of love and
excellence lives on through his beloved wife, Patricia Sanders Kimble, and his son, Gerald
Douglas Kimble Jr.; and
WHEREAS, beyond his role as a father to his own son, Coach Kimble served as a
father figure and mentor to countless young men, instilling values of discipline, resilience,
and integrity, characteristics they continue to carry forward and impart to others.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby express its sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the passing of Gerald Kimble,
legendary athlete and beloved coach and mentor.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to his
wife, Patricia Sanders Kimble.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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