HR1477 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1477 LRB096 24315 GRL 43831 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Washington Dunbar Burney; and

WHEREAS, Washington Dunbar Burney was born on April 14, 1916; his parents were John Calvin Burney and Elvina Moody Burney of Eastman, Georgia; and

WHEREAS, Washington Dunbar Burney was a dedicated member of the Trustee Board and Men's Fellowship at Park Manor United Church of Christ for almost 50 years; he and family were well known for never missing church; and

WHEREAS, Washington Dunbar Burney was a community leader from the beginning of his life; he was the first black member of Teamsters Union Local 744 in 1938 and the first black driver salesman for Budweiser in 1951; he served as president and co-founder of the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council for many years, helping Chatham to become a community of excellence; he was involved in numerous elections; he also pioneered the breakdown of racial barriers in area golf courses; and

WHEREAS, Washington Dunbar Burney enjoyed and excelled in the sport of golf; and

WHEREAS, Washington Dunbar Burney was the loving and devoted husband of Lillie Rose; he was also married to Vivian McEwen Jones for over 40 years; the brother of Flossie, Rosella, and Trelle; the father of Diedre-Rkhty Jones (Wayne), Marcia Aldington (Thomas), and Washington Dunbar Burney Jr. and father figure of Wanda Reason (David); the loving grandfather of Marcia-Amunet Wimby, Yoko Wimby, Stacy Carter (Winston), Kyle Arrington, Khami-Ra Jones, Jennifer Avery and Anthony (Tony) Gant; and the great-grandfather of Neferteri Amun, Nunera Amun, Jordan Wimby, Sydney Arlington, Autumn Gant, and Anthony Gant Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Washington Dunbar Burney will be remembered fondly by all who knew and loved him for his warm personality, easy-going smile, and great charisma; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Washington Dunbar Burney; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Washington Dunbar Burney as an expression of our sympathy.