ATLANTA – State Representative Lee Hawkins (R-Gainesville) recently sponsored House Resolution 1080 during the 2022 legislative session to honor the life and memory of Bruce Burch who passed away from leukemia on March 12, 2022.
“Bruce was a childhood friend with incredible strengths,” said Rep. Hawkins. “His unimpeachable reputation for integrity, intelligence, fairness and kindness made this world a better place. I’ve known Bruce since childhood, attending the same church where our mothers taught Sunday school. From grammar to high school and into recent years, I saw a person who gave to others and enjoyed his life to the fullest. He was blessed with two remarkable children, Sarah and Matthew, and four wonderful grandchildren, Lucy, Maisy, Jack and Walter. His compassion, generous nature, love of family, friendship and community are greatly missed by all who had the great fortune of knowing him. ”
Bruce Burch was a Gainesville native who wrote several hit country songs and helped establish a series of benefit concerts in Gainesville. He co-wrote two hit singles for Reba McEntire, “Rumor Has It” and “It’s Your Call.” He also wrote many other songs for prominent country artists, including Faith Hill, George Jones and T. Graham Brown. Bruce and his close friend, Jody Jackson, established the annual John Jarrard Concert series in Gainesville honoring the memory of another Gainesville song writer, John Jarrard. Proceeds are donated to local nonprofits through the John Jarrard Foundation. Bruce has been honored as one of Nashville’s top country writers, managed musical artists, owned a publishing company and later returned to Georgia to begin the Music Business School at the University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University and Brenau University. In later years, Bruce and Rep. Hawkins worked on music legislation to retain and encourage Georgia musical talent to remain in Georgia.
For more information on House Resolution 1080, please click here.
Representative Lee Hawkins represents the citizens of District 27, which includes portions of Hall and White counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 and currently serves as Chairman of the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and the Banks & Banking, Health & Human Services, Small Business Development, Insurance and Rules committees.
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