RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Honorable Joe Neal has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 66; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Joe Neal was a South Carolina state legislator and a passionate advocate for programs assisting the underprivileged; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Joe Neal was first elected to office representing rural Richland County in 1992; and
WHEREAS, Known for his eloquent speeches, the Honorable Joe Neal never raised his voice and his mere presence brought a silence and peaceful calm over the legislative body; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Joe Neal was known as a "compassionate force who gave voice to those without one"; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Joe Neal ably served in the House for 24 years where he championed programs that included improved health care, education and infrastructure benefiting poor communities; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Joe Neal was also Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Chester; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of the Honorable Joe Neal serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, the Honorable Joe Neal imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this twenty-second day of February, 2017, do hereby commemorate the Honorable Joe Neal for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and