SR0738 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0738 LRB101 13440 ALS 62284 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Ernie A. Smith, who passed away on February 4, 2019 at the age of 48; and

WHEREAS, Ernie Smith was born on January 29, 1970; he was known as "the most dapper kid on the block" during his childhood; although he was well-dressed, the most charming and impressive part of his style was his smile that was freely and easily given to everyone around him; and

WHEREAS, Ernie Smith attended Deck Preschool and Kindergarten, Longfellow Grade School, and Hawthorne Junior High School; he graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High School in 1988; and

WHEREAS, Ernie Smith joined the United States Navy in San Diego, where he made lifelong connections and friends who became like brothers; he learned valuable lessons that benefited him later in life when he worked as a catastrophic claims adjuster and faced challenges during the aftermath of events like Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy; and

WHEREAS, Ernie Smith had a heart for learning; he attended classes at Temple University to expand his knowledge and skills; he was a natural comedian who kept friends, colleagues, and families laughing and smiling; and

WHEREAS, Ernie Smith was preceded in death by his sister, RaSheda; his grandparents; and his uncles; and

WHEREAS, Ernie Smith is survived by his mother, Joycie; his father, Wendell Smith; his younger sisters, Joycie, Tabitha, and Iris; his brother, Wendell; his nephew, Erik "Tusk"; and many cousins; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Ernie A. Smith 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 Ernie Smith as an expression of our deepest sympathy.