GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2001
H	1
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 1462

 
 
Sponsors:	Representative Barefoot.	
Referred to:	Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House.	
July 19, 2001

     
A JOINT RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF DAVID WEBSTER BUMGARDNER, JR., A FORMER MEMBER OF THE NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Whereas, David W. Bumgardner, Jr. was born on November 2, 1921, in Belmont, North Carolina, to David W. Bumgardner, Sr. and Winnifred Ballard Bumgardner; and
Whereas, David W. Bumgardner, Jr. attended the public schools of Belmont and graduated from Belmont Abbey College and Gupton‑Jones College of Mortuary Science; and
Whereas, David W. Bumgardner, Jr. gallantly served in the United States Army during World War II, seeing action in Italy and North Africa; and
Whereas, David W. Bumgardner, Jr. retired as Lieutenant Colonel in the North Carolina National Guard and served as the first commanding officer of the National Guard when it was organized in Belmont; and
Whereas, at his death, David W. Bumgardner, Jr. was retired from funeral service as owner and operator of Bumgardner Funeral Home in Belmont; and
Whereas, David W. Bumgardner, Jr. was a highly respected leader in his profession, having served as the president of the North Carolina Funeral Directors Association; and
Whereas, David W. Bumgardner, Jr. was deeply interested and involved in the political affairs of North Carolina throughout his life, serving with distinction for 11 terms in the North Carolina House of Representatives, representing Gaston and Lincoln Counties from 1967 to 1988; and
Whereas, during his tenure in the General Assembly, David W. Bumgardner, Jr. rendered invaluable service as chairman of the Transportation Committee and the Public Utilities Committee; and
Whereas, David W. Bumgardner, Jr. served the State on many boards and commissions including the Commission for the Study of Local and Ad Valorem Tax Structure in 1970, the Governmental Evaluation Commission from 1977 to 1981, and the North Carolina Board of Transportation from 1977 to 1982; and
Whereas, David W. Bumgardner, Jr. was a tireless volunteer in many civic, cultural, and charitable causes including the Belmont Kiwanis Club (past President and District Lieutenant Governor), the Masons, the Shriners, American Legion Post 144 (past Commander), and V.F.W. Post 5483 (past Commander); and
Whereas, David W. Bumgardner, Jr. received many awards for his lifetime of selfless service: the first honorary membership in the North Carolina Funeral Directors Association; the George F. Hixson Fellowship of Kiwanis International; the Community Service Award of the American Legion; the Belmont Man of the Year Award; and the Distinguished Service Award, Gupton‑Jones College of Mortuary Science; and
Whereas, David W. Bumgardner, Jr. was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Lincolnton where he served as Deacon, Parliamentarian, Sunday School Superintendent, and Trustee; and
Whereas, David W. Bumgardner, Jr. died on June 21, 2001; and
Whereas, David W. Bumgardner, Jr. was a devoted husband to his beloved wife of 53 years, Sara Margaret Jones Bumgardner; a loving father to his two daughters, Sharon and Mary Jo, and a doting grandfather and great‑grandfather; and
Whereas, David W. Bumgardner, Jr. will be remembered for his myriad contributions to the State of North Carolina and her people; and
Whereas, the General Assembly wishes to show its appreciation for his life and accomplishments and to extend its sincere sympathy to his family; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly expresses high esteem and regard for the extraordinary life and service of David Webster Bumgardner, Jr. and mourns the loss of one of North Carolina's most distinguished native sons.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly extends its sincere sympathy to the family of David Webster Bumgardner, Jr. on the loss of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
SECTION 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of David Webster Bumgardner, Jr.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.