[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 30, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E785-E786]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING DR. DON THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. EARL L. ``BUDDY'' CARTER

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 30, 2024

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and 
remember the life of former Georgia Senator Dr. Don Thomas, who sadly 
passed at the age of 91, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.
  Dr. Don Thomas, a native of Dalton, led a tremendous life both as a 
physician and public servant. Dr. Don Thomas delivered thousands of 
babies, treating thousands more patients with a medical career spanning 
more than half a century.
  He got his political start as a member of the Whitfield County School 
Board in 1972, then served as Chairman of the Board from 1974 to 1984. 
Notably, he spearheaded a statewide battle that led to Georgia's 
adoption of equalized funding for local school systems.
  Not only did he make his mark in the education system, but also as 
Georgia state Senator where he pushed major bipartisan legislation such 
as the prohibition of smoking in restaurants and public places.
  Dr. Don Thomas' legacy will forever be remembered through the many 
positive impacts he made across the state of Georgia and his community.

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