SR2025 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR2025 LRB100 23462 ALS 42495 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Grady Myers Chronister of Springfield, who passed away on September 14, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Grady Chronister was born in Henryetta, Oklahoma to Hugh Grady and Alice Myers Chronister on November 22, 1938; he graduated from Oklahoma State University; he was a Captain in the United States Army and retired from the Army Reserves; and

WHEREAS, Grady Chronister's career included retail marketing, national wholesale fuel distribution, and oil trading on the New York Stock Exchange; he was an entrepreneur in the oil industry for 51 years; he began Chronister Oil with Derby Super Gas stores and was a major sponsor of the cardinals farm team; he secured the first self-serve permit in the State of Illinois; he sold the Super Gas chain to Marathon Oil in 1978; he then built another chain, Future Gas, in several Midwestern states outside of Illinois; in 1980, he opened the first convenience store, Quik-n-EZ, in the State, with locations in Springfield and other central Illinois towns; and

WHEREAS, Grady Chronister was an Eagle Scout, an elder in the Westminster Presbyterian Church, a former president of the Illini Country Club, and a former president and trustee of the Springfield YMCA; he was also a trustee of the Abraham Lincoln Boy Scouts Council, a supporter of UIS athletics, the arts, and the Illinois Symphony Orchestra; he contributed to many local and statewide non-profit organizations and was a strong supporter of youth programs throughout the area; and

WHEREAS, Grady Chronister was a competitive golfer and duplicate bridge player; he was a compassionate and generous father, husband, and friend and enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Grady Chronister was preceded in death by his parents; and

WHEREAS, Grady Chronister is survived by his wife, Linda Longworth Chronister; his daughters, Wendy (Pete Rogers) Chronister, Julie (Mark Myers) Chronister, and Amy (John) Ridley; and his grandchildren, Caroline and Carter Rogers, Wyatt Myers, and Emma and Grady Ridley; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Grady Myers Chronister 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 Grady Chronister as an expression of our deepest sympathy.