SR2044 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR2044 LRB100 23464 MST 42497 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Grady M. 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 was an Eagle Scout and graduated from Oklahoma State University; and

WHEREAS, Grady Chronister was an entrepreneur in the oil industry for 51 years; he began Chronister Oil with Derby Super Gas stores; he was an innovator, securing the first "self-serve" permit in the State of Illinois, for which Governor Jim Thompson was his first customer; he sold the Super Gas chain in 1978 to Marathon Oil and founded a second chain, Future Gas; in 1980, he opened the first convenience store, Qik-n-EZ, in the State of Illinois; and

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

WHEREAS, Grady Chronister enjoyed golf, bridge, and spending time with his family; 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 Chronister (Peter Rogers), Julie Chronister (Mark Myers), and Amy Ridley (John); 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 M. 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.