Updated – House Rules Chairman, Representative Jay Powell passes away.
We have just learned that Representative Jay Powell, House Rules Chairman, died suddenly last night during a House Leadership Caucus retreat.
From Speaker Ralston –
Friends,
It is with profound sadness and a broken heart that I write to inform you of the passing of our colleague, dear friend and brother Jay Powell.
Jay collapsed last night at a Caucus leadership retreat and, from all indications, passed immediately.
At this time of heartbreak, we take solace in the fact that our brother is now with our Lord Jesus Christ. We lift up his wife Deidra and his beloved family. We pray for God’s mercies and comfort for them.
I know this loss touches us all and leaves a hole in our hearts and in the heart of our House family. Jay Powell served with integrity and his leadership truly moved Georgia forward.
We will get through this together, with God’s grace. If you need anything, please reach out to one of our fellow members. We will support one another as we grieve and celebrate his life together.
From Governor Kemp –
Chairman Powell was a trusted leader and compassionate public servant whose work positively impacted countless people’s lives over the years. His loss is devastating to Georgia. The Kemp family asks everyone to lift up Jay’s loved ones, friends, and fellow legislators in prayer as they try to grapple with this tragedy.
From Senate President Pro Temper Butch Miller –
“My sincere condolences go out to Jay Powell’s family, friends and colleagues. Everyone that had the honor of working with Jay and interacting with him under the Gold Dome can attest to the true statesmen he was. His expertise and sound policy decisions made him a true leader not only within his chamber, but throughout the entire General Assembly. His commitment to positively impact his community whether on the local or state level never wavered. Jay’s life of public service, the impact he made on his hometown and our state will never be forgotten. My family and I ask you to lift Jay’s family, friends and colleagues in prayer.”
From Congressman Doug Collins –
“Today is a sad day for the state of Georgia and a very hard day for me personally. Jay Powell was not only a respected leader in our state, but more importantly, my friend and brother.
“When Jay was elected to the state house, he was seated next to me on the floor. Over those many hours on the floor, he shared his thoughts about life, law and politics that made me a better person.
“Jay always had my back even through the storms of politics, which means more than anything. He helped me as a new attorney and provided wise counsel over the years regarding our public service.
“I saw Jay last Friday night for what I now know was the last time. We talked, we laughed, and we picked on each other as only friends can do. When it came time for the event to start, he hugged Lisa, hugged me and said, ‘I love you man, let’s talk again soon.’ If I had only known it was the last time I would hear his voice and get that needed bear hug, I would have held on just a little bit longer.
“I will miss you, my friend.”
Representative Powell has served in the Georgia Assembly since 2009, serving District 171. He served as Chairman of the Rules committee and was a member of Appropriations, Judiciary, Judiciary Non Civil, Ways and Means, and Governmental Affairs.
Our hearts and prayers go out to Rep. Powell’s wife, Deidra, and their family.
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Theresa Garcia Robertson
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From Rep. Doug Collins (GA-9):
“Today is a sad day for the state of Georgia and a very hard day for me personally. Jay Powell was not only a respected leader in our state, but more importantly, my friend and brother.
“When Jay was elected to the state house, he was seated next to me on the floor. Over those many hours on the floor, he shared his thoughts about life, law and politics that made me a better person.
“Jay always had my back even through the storms of politics, which means more than anything. He helped me as a new attorney and provided wise counsel over the years regarding our public service.
“I saw Jay last Friday night for what I now know was the last time. We talked, we laughed, and we picked on each other as only friends can do. When it came time for the event to start, he hugged Lisa, hugged me and said, ‘I love you man, let’s talk again soon.’ If I had only known it was the last time I would hear his voice and get that needed bear hug, I would have held on just a little bit longer.
“I will miss you, my friend.”
Former Rep. Stacey Abrams:
“Though Chairman Jay Powell and I stood on separate sides of the aisle, we worked together to advance good tax policy for Georgia and to support our local governments. He cared about community and getting good done. I pray for his family and friends in our grief.”
ATLANTA (November 27, 2019) | Georgia Senate Rules Committee Chairman Sen. Jeff Mullis (R – Chickamauga) released the following statement on the passing of Georgia House Rules Committee Chairman Jay Powell:
“Yesterday, the Georgia General Assembly lost a leader, man of conviction and policy expert who will never be forgotten. House Rules Committee Chairman Jay Powell served in every level of government with dignity and always treated everyone equally. His commitment to public service, his community, his family and friends will never be forgotten. My condolences go out to everyone that had the honor of knowing and working with Chairman Powell. I will forever be grateful for the times we had together, especially serving as Rules Chairmen together this past year. My family and I encourage you to keep the Powells, their friends and members of the House of Representatives in your thoughts and prayers.”
ATLANTA – The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC), chaired by State Representative Karen Bennett (D-Stone Mountain), today issued the following statement on the passing of State Representative Jay Powell (R-Camilla), who served as chairman of the House Rules Committee:
“We are saddened to hear of the unfortunate passing of Representative Jay Powell. As a caucus, we want to send our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, constituents and all who were blessed to have Rep. Powell in their life. I appreciate his devotion to public service and dedication to all of Georgia. He will be missed.”