GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1989

H	1 

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 2386

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Sponsors: Representatives DeVane, Hasty, and Locks.

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Referred to:  Rules Suspended; Passed 2nd, 3rd, Sent to Senate.

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June 11, 1990

A JOINT RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF JOHN KNOX MCNEILL, JR., FORMER MAYOR OF THE CITY OF RAEFORD, AND RECOGNIZING THE CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL TURKEY LOVERS' MONTH IN HIS HONOR.
Whereas, John K. McNeill, Jr., was born on August 25, 1920, in Hoke County, North Carolina; and
Whereas, John K. McNeill, Jr., was a graduate of Louisburg College; and
Whereas, John K. McNeill, Jr., faithfully served the citizens of the City of Raeford as city councilman for 16 years, and as mayor for the last 21 years; and
Whereas, Mayor McNeill served the State of North Carolina as a planner with the Department of Natural Resources and Community Development for seventeen years; and
Whereas, throughout the course of Mayor McNeill's long career of public service, the City of Raeford experienced unprecedented growth; and
Whereas, Mayor McNeill's leadership resulted in water and sewer improvements necessary to recruit what have become the four main industries in Raeford: Burlington Industries, Faberge, Spanco, and House of Raeford; and
Whereas, Mayor McNeill died on January 14, 1990, and is survived by his wife, Ruth, his sons Steve, Jeff, and John K. McNeill III, his daughter Lynn, four brothers, and eight grandchildren; and
Whereas, one aspect of Mayor McNeill's diligent leadership was his enthusiastic support of the North Carolina Turkey Festival held annually in the City of Raeford; and
Whereas, the City of Raeford is the home of Wyatt G. Upchurch, President of the National Turkey Federation, who also serves as Chairman of the Hoke County Board of County Commissioners; and
Whereas, North Carolina is now the leading turkey-producing State in the nation, having produced over 50 million turkeys in 1989; and
Whereas, the National Turkey Federation has declared June 1990, to be the first annual National Turkey Lovers' Month;
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
Section 1.  The General Assembly of North Carolina wishes to honor the life and memory of John Knox McNeill, Jr., and expresses the gratitude and appreciation of both the City of Raeford and the State of North Carolina for his life and service to Raeford and to North Carolina.
Sec. 2.  The General Assembly of North Carolina wishes to recognize Mr. McNeill's contributions to the development of the turkey industry in North Carolina, and to recognize the vital role of that industry in this State, during this first annual National Turkey Lovers' Month.
Sec. 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of John Knox McNeill, Jr., to the City of Raeford, and to the National Turkey Federation.
Sec. 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.