25 LC 112 3218
House Resolution 688
By: Representatives Gambill of the 15
th
, Scoggins of the 14
th
, Momtahan of the 17
th
, Gullett
of the 19
th
, Mathis of the 133
rd
, and others
A RESOLUTION
Commending Dr. John "Johnny" Savage; and for other purposes.
1
WHEREAS, Dr. John "Johnny" Savage has lived a life dedicated to service, leadership, and2
mentorship and has devoted innumerable hours of his time, talents, and energy to his fellow3
citizens; and4
WHEREAS, born on April 16, 1934, Dr. Savage graduated from Emory Dental School in5
1959 and began a distinguished career in dentistry, later serving his community in Ebro,6
Florida, where he continued practicing until the age of 89 and often provided pro bono7
services to patients in need; and8
WHEREAS, he honorably served in the United States Navy Dental Corps, beginning his9
career in Jacksonville, Florida, before requesting a global assignment, which led him to serve10
aboard the USS Glacier during Operation Deep Freeze, a mission providing logistical and11
research support in Antarctica, where a glacier was later named in his honor; and12
WHEREAS, Dr. Savage demonstrated his commitment to public service as a three-term13
member of the Georgia House of Representatives from Fulton County, serving once as a14
H. R. 688
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Democrat and twice as a Republican, and he further pursued leadership by running as the
15
Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia in 1974; and16
WHEREAS, a passionate mentor, Dr. Savage played an instrumental role in the career of17
Otis "Jazzbo" Ikner, who became the first Black male dental hygienist in the United States,18
a remarkable story he later chronicled in his book, Johnny and Jazzbo: A True Story; and19
WHEREAS, throughout his life, he has exhibited courage and selflessness even in the face20
of imminent danger, including saving a man from a sinking car; and21
WHEREAS, through his devotion, patience, and understanding, he has provided strong and22
loving support for his family, which includes his beloved mother, Mildred; his sister, Nora;23
and his son, Mark; and24
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable individual be25
appropriately honored.26
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that27
the members of this body commend Dr. John "Johnny" Savage for his unselfish, dedicated,28
and loving service to the members of his family, community, state, and nation as well as29
extend their most sincere best wishes for continued health and happiness.30
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized31
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Dr.32
John "Johnny" Savage.33
H. R. 688
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