Senators Bishop and Schauer offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 4.

            A resolution honoring Charles Thornhill.

            Whereas, Charles Thornhill was born on April 1, 1944, in Roanoke, Virginia, to Waverly and Ella Thornhill; one of six siblings who grew up in the Lincoln Terrace projects; and

            Whereas, Charlie Thornhill played football for Lucy Addison High School, and in 1962, broke the color barrier by becoming the first African American to receive the Most Outstanding Back award from the Roanoke Touchdown Club; and

            Whereas, Charlie Thornhill came to Michigan State University and became part of the legendary MSU football team, coached by Duffy Daugherty, playing middle linebacker from 1964-1966. He was an instrumental member of the national championship team and was part of one of the most famous games of all time, the 10-10 tie against Notre Dame in 1966. Charlie "Mad Dog" Thornhill played defense with fierce intensity and in the process became a living legend; and

            Whereas, Charlie Thornhill was a dedicated employee of General Motors Corporation for 20 years and a dedicated and respected employee of the Michigan State Senate since 1993 as an assistant sergeant at arms, bringing a warm smile and a kind word to every person he encountered. For nearly 13 years, Charlie touched all who visited the Senate; and

            Whereas, Charlie Thornhill was a man of integrity, honesty, humor, and humility who served as an informal "ambassador" for MSU and the Michigan Senate; and

            Whereas, Charlie Thornhill’s greatest accomplishment in life was his loving and devoted family. Charlie’s love for his family was evident in the proud tone he used to talk about his wife Lauri and her work at MSU, as well as when bursting with pride over the success of his sons as they too donned the Spartan green and white on football Saturdays. There was also a special light in his eyes when showing pictures of his granddaughter; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we offer our condolences to the family of Charles Thornhill and pay tribute to his kindness and years of service to the Senate; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to his wife, Laureen Thornhill, sons Josh and Kaleb, daughter-in-law Katie, and granddaughter Hannah Grace.