SR1765 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1765 LRB100 22075 ALS 40312 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Benjamin J. "Ben" Bumbry Jr. of Quincy, who passed away on May 10, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Ben Bumbry Jr. was born in St. Louis, Missouri to Benjamin James and Melzia L. (Walker) Bumbry Sr. on August 24, 1931; he graduated from Sumner High School in St. Louis, Missouri and then attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa; he earned a bachelor's degree in physical education from Quincy College, now Quincy University, in 1976; he played basketball for both Quincy College and Drake University; while at Quincy College, the team he was on during the 1954-1955 season earned a berth in the national tournament and broke racial barriers by fielding a starting five that were all African-American; he married Helen E. Robbins in Quincy on March 16, 1957; and

WHEREAS, Ben Bumbry Jr. worked at Moorman Manufacturing for over 20 years; following his retirement, he went on to teach in the Quincy Public Schools for 22 years; he also coached girls' softball and basketball at Quincy High School; he retired in 2008; and

WHEREAS, Ben Bumbry Jr. served on the Quincy City Council as Alderman of Ward #1 from 2004 until 2010; he also served on the Quincy Park Board from 1993 until 2003 and was Director of the Redmon & Lee Community Center; he was a member of the Quincy University Board of Trustees and the SIU Board of Directors; he served as the Executive Director of the Jackson-Lincoln Pool, where he was a mentor, an employee, a coach, and a true friend to many young people; he was a guest lecturer at both John Wood Community College and Quincy University; and

WHEREAS, Ben Bumbry Jr. was a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church; he was a member of United Lodge #16 of the Free and Accepted Masons for 54 years; he was also a member of the Illinois/Missouri Male Gospel Chorus that performed throughout the Tri-State area; and

WHEREAS, Ben Bumbry Jr. was inducted into the Iowa AAU Hall of Fame as well as into the halls of fame at Sumner High School and Quincy College; he received the John Quincy Adams Award for his role in enhancing the quality of life in his community, the Lincoln Legacy Award from the Adams County Bar Association for his efforts to foster equality and justice, and an award from the Martha K. Majors Club for his dedicated service to the community; in 2014, he received the Humanitarian Award from Bethel A.M.E. Church; he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by Culver-Stockton College for his commitment to education, charity, and community service; and

WHEREAS, Ben Bumbry Jr. was well known throughout the area for his band, Ben Bumbry and the Messengers; he performed for over 60 years as a professional musician in Quincy and the Tri-State area, including aboard the Mark Twain River Boat in Hannibal, Missouri, where he performed for 28 years; he also helped to organize the Mississippi Muddy Waters Blues Society; and

WHEREAS, Ben Bumbry Jr. was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Robbin Andre Bumbry; and his brother, Charles Bumbry; and

WHEREAS, Ben Bumbry Jr. is survived by his wife, Helen; his children, Charles Tyrone Bumbry, Cynthia Marie Bumbry, and Benjamin James Bumbry III; his grandchildren, Jared Andreas Bumbry, Jacob Cameron Bumbry, and Monica Marie Bumbry; his great-grandchildren, Alexander, Aalyah, and Skylar; his sister, Grace Ann Bumbry; his brothers-in-law, Floyd Robbins and Leon Robbins; his aunt, Vernie Robbins; and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Benjamin J. "Ben" Bumbry Jr. and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Ben Bumbry Jr. as an expression of our deepest sympathy.