Morven, Georgia, US
United States Marine Corps
SSGT, Experimental Aircraft Detachment of the Presidential Support Squadron, HMX1
Jacksonville, US, 12/11/2000
Designating the Staff Sergeant Avely W. Runnels Memorial Highway; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Avely W. Runnels was born on August 31, 1975, in Gainesville, Florida, and was the son of Eldridge Ray Runnels and Hester Cross Runnels; and
WHEREAS, his family moved to Morven, Georgia when he was eight years old; and
WHEREAS, following his graduation from Brooks County High School in 1993, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps to serve the country which he so dearly loved; and
WHEREAS, in four short years of military service he became a qualified air crew member and crew chief, amassed 393 flight hours, and exemplified the finest qualities of a Marine; and
WHEREAS, he served two years on the Experimental Aircraft Detachment of the Presidential Support Squadron, HMX1, and he was honored with the award of two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and two Good Conduct Medals; and
WHEREAS, he was the devoted husband of Mrs. Karen Runnels, the father of a wonderful daughter, Dakota Runnels, and a loving son; and
WHEREAS, he was a member of Morven Baptist Church and was a friend to everyone who had the opportunity to know him; and
WHEREAS, on December 11, 2000, Staff Sergeant Avely W. Runnels lost his life in the service of his country as the result of an aircraft crash during a night-training mission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA that, in memory of the service of Staff Sergeant Avely W. Runnels to the City of Morven, Brooks County, and the State of Georgia, State Highway 76 in the corporate limits of the City of Morven is designated the Staff Sergeant. Avely W. Runnels Memorial Highway.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation is authorized and directed to place and maintain appropriate markers or signs designating the Staff Sergeant Avely W. Runnels Memorial Highway.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to transmit appropriate copies of this resolution to the family of Staff Sergeant Avely W. Runnels and to the commissioner of transportation.