2023 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 130
BY SENATOR BOUDREAUX
A RESOLUTION
To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
death of George P. Evans.
WHEREAS, it is with great sadness that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
has learned that on May 15, 2023, the Honorable George Patrick Evans, a giant among men
with the heart of a lamb, made his way home to his heavenly father; and
WHEREAS, George Evans was born in Selma, Alabama, on August 16, 1944, the
eldest of two sons born to Willie George and Lucy Evans; and
WHEREAS, affectionately known as "Georgie P" by his schoolmates and childhood
friends, he accepted Christ into his heart and life at an early age and it was a guiding force
igniting his passion for his family, friends, and the city of Selma; and
WHEREAS, George attended kindergarten at Reformed Presbyterian Church and
was educated in Selma city schools where he attended Payne Elementary School and was
a 1962 graduate of R.B. Hudson High School; and
WHEREAS, George attended college at St. Mary's of The Plains in Dodge City,
Kansas, on a football scholarship, playing the position of wide receiver all four years and,
always a stellar athlete, he was also a member of the track team and an avid fan of
basketball; and
WHEREAS, while visiting friends in Wichita, Kansas, he was introduced to the love
of his life, Jeannie Wooten, a beautiful, young nursing student, and on August 22, 1966, the
two were wed in St. Paul's A.M.E. Church, the same church where the two had met; and
WHEREAS, after receiving a call from his hometown saying there was a need for
a teacher, the newlywed couple set off to make their life in Selma, Alabama, and George
taught physical education and coached basketball, football, and baseball at Tipton Middle
School; and
WHEREAS, George's career in education would encompass years of leadership
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positions in the Dallas County School System, advancing through the ranks as principal,
Federal Programs Director, Special Education Coordinator, and ultimately, the first
African American to hold the position of Superintendent of Dallas County Schools; and
WHEREAS, George's background in athletics provided the platform he needed to
develop an extension to the county sports program for students and a countywide field day
became a highly anticipated annual event; and
WHEREAS, George organized a Special Olympics field day which also became an
annual event recognizing athletic efforts for a community of students close to his heart and
he continued the program after his retirement from the Dallas County School System,
garnering support and donations from city and county donors; and
WHEREAS, a man with a servant's heart, George enjoyed membership in many
service and political organizations including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, 100 Black Men of
Selma, the Chesterfield Club, Twelve High Club, the Exchange Club, the Alabama
Conference of Black Mayors, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors; and
WHEREAS, his involvement in sports and his love for basketball provided many
opportunities that nourished his athletic side; George was a member of the Southwestern
Athletic Conference (SWAC) for over thirty-five years and a member of the Southeastern
Conference (SEC) for over thirty years; he officiated in the National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA) March Madness Men's Tournament for twelve years, including one
season where he had the opportunity to officiate an "Elite Eight" game; George served on
the Bryant Jordan Athletic Program Scholarship Board, was inducted into the Alabama High
School Athletic Association's Hall of Fame, and in 2015, he was honored by an induction
into the SWAC Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, as fond as George was of spending time on the basketball courts of
many secondary and collegiate institutions in Alabama and across the country, he was
equally fond of fairways and putting greens and, when possible, on Wednesdays and
Sundays, he met with lifelong friends for eighteen holes of golf; he instilled his passion for
golf in his sons and every year on Father's Day he, along with his sons, Patrick, Duane, and
Byron, his brother and younger cousins, would head out to Ocumulgee Golf Course for trash
talking and bragging rights; and
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WHEREAS, following his retirement from a productive forty-year educational
career, George was selected by the Alabama State Department of Education as Chief
Academic Officer to offer support and training to schools across the state who were
identified as underachieving; and
WHEREAS, during this busy and challenging time, George continued to support and
offer service to his community and state, serving as the first African American President of
the Selma City Council and served the council for eight years, the Superintendent of Selma
Water Works, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Alabama Department of Archives
and History, a member of the Executive Committee of the Alabama League of
Municipalities, a board member of the Walker-Johnson YMCA, a member of Leadership
Selma, and an Elder of the Reformed Presbyterian Church; and
WHEREAS, George felt called to serve the community he loved by expanding his
position in leadership from City Council President to Mayor of Selma where he served for
two terms working for the betterment and prosperity of all of Selma's citizens; and
WHEREAS, always multitasking and playing multiple roles, George thoroughly
enjoyed his role as Granddaddy to his seven grandchildren; he never missed a basketball
game, church performance, school function, birthday party, dance recital, or graduation; and
WHEREAS, George leaves to mourn his passing, his wife of almost fifty-seven
years, Jeannie; sons, Patrick, Duane, and Byron; grandchildren, Tremaine, Kelly, Patrick
Junior (PJ), Paxson George, Erin, Pailee, Pilar, and Eden; special daughters, Kateri,
Stephanie, Evelyn, and Chimeria; and a multitude of cousins and friends.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of the Honorable
George P. Evans.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Jeannie Wooten Evans.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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