A JOINT RESOLUTION honoring the life and memory of eugene burns turner.
Whereas, Eugene Burns Turner was born on September 16, 1924, to Samuel D. Turner and Ollie Emerson Turner in Goldston, North Carolina; and
Whereas, after graduation from I.S. Waters School, Eugene Burns Turner furthered his education by attending several institutions, including Friendship College in Rock Hill, South Carolina, North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina, and Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina; and
Whereas, Eugene Burns Turner earned both a bachelor's and master's degree and continued his quest for knowledge his entire life even as his sight grew dim by reading several religious documents and a number of newspapers each day; and
Whereas, Eugene Burns Turner served as pastor of the First Baptist Church in Lumberton for 57 years before retiring in November 2005; and
Whereas, Eugene Burns Turner served as President of the General Baptist State Convention, becoming the first president to welcome female ministers into the organization; and
Whereas, Eugene Burns Turner was one of Robeson County's most influential leaders, providing excellent service to all while serving on the Robeson County Board of Commissioners for 12 years and the Lumberton City Council for nearly 30 years, during which time he served as Mayor Pro Tempore; and
Whereas, Eugene Burns Turner served as Vice-Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, President of the North Carolina League of Municipalities, and as a member of the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina; and
Whereas, Eugene Burns Turner received numerous awards and was awarded several honorary doctoral degrees for his good works; and
Whereas, Eugene Burns Turner loved his country upbringing and continued to keep animals and grow vegetables, but his strongest passions were his faith, helping people in need, and politics; and
Whereas, Eugene Burns Turner was married to Georgia Anna McNeill, whom he met at Shaw University, for nearly 56 years; and
Whereas, Eugene Burns Turner died on October 5, 2008, at the age of 84; and
Whereas, Eugene Burns Turner is survived by his two daughters, Andrea Lesa and Rosalind Arlene; five grandchildren, Eugene, Leah, Rachel, Gerald, and Greg; two great‑grandchildren, Micah and Chloe; and two sisters, Inease T. Wicker and Thelma N. Turner; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly honors the memory of Eugene Burns Turner and expresses its appreciation for his life and the service he rendered his community and State.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly extends its sympathy to the family of Eugene Burns Turner for the loss of a beloved family member.
SECTION 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Eugene Burns Turner.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.