LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Bishop William Raymond Whitaker, II
upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Hope In
You Inc. on June 17, 2012

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Bishop William Raymond Whitaker, II has given not only of his
time and energies but also of his competence, intelligence and leader-
ship and consequently has been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Bishop
William Raymond Whitaker, II upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by Hope In You Inc., to be celebrated at its first
annual Dancing with My Father Banquet on Sunday, June 17, 2012; and
WHEREAS, Bishop William Raymond Whitaker, II has been called upon to
contribute his time and talents to countless civic and charitable
endeavors and has always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, In 1977, William Raymond Whitaker graduated from Eastern
District High School and earned his Bachelor of Theology degree in 1999,
Master of Theology degree in 2004 and Doctor of Divinity degree in 2005;
in 2004, the Hope for All Bible College bestowed upon Bishop Whitaker an
Honorary Doctorate of Divinity degree; and
WHEREAS, In 1995, Bishop William Raymond Whitaker began serving as the
Pastor of the Greater Free Gift Baptist Church, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Numerous ministries have been established under Bishop
William Raymond Whitaker's leadership including the formation of the
Drama and Dance Ministry, Serenity on Stockton Street, and the Greater
Free Gift Bible Institute where he serves as President; and
WHEREAS, Bishop William Raymond Whitaker's commitment to the community
is evident by his service as the Former Chair of Evangelism for the
Eastern Region of the Progressive National Baptist Convention and the
National Baptist Convention Housing Staff USA, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Bishop William Raymond Whitaker, II
has stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his loving family including his
daughter, Diamond, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life
and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Bishop William Raymond Whitaker, II
has displayed throughout his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Bishop William Raymond Whitaker, II upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by Hope In You Inc. on June 17,
2012; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Bishop William Raymond Whitaker, II.