MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives King, Davis (102nd), Watson, Saucier, Perkins, Martinson

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING JUDGE HOWARD L. PATTERSON, JR. OF HATTIESBURG UPON HIS SELECTION AS PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LIONS CLUBS. 

WHEREAS, Judge Howard L. Patterson, Jr., of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, was honorably elected First Vice President of The International Association of Lions Clubs, the world's largest service club organization, at the association's International Convention held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in July 1996; and

WHEREAS, born on August 24, 1932, Judge Patterson, fondly known as "Pat" to his family and many friends around the world, was educated at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1954, before being awarded the degrees of Bachelor of Law in 1955 and Master of Law in 1967 by the University of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, before being elected Chancellor in the Tenth Chancery Court District in 1966, Judge Patterson devoted 11 years to the private practice of law and loyally served the public as a prosecuting attorney and municipal judge; and

WHEREAS, Judge Patterson, widely respected for his fairness and impartiality in the legal profession, retired from the bench in 1996, after having tirelessly rendered service for more than 40 years as a member of the bar; and

WHEREAS, a Lion since 1958, Judge Patterson is a life member of the Hattiesburg Lions Club with over 26 years perfect attendance; and

WHEREAS, Judge Patterson, a man of great integrity, wisdom and outstanding leadership ability, has served the Lions as District Governor, Treasurer of the Multiple District Council of Governors, President of the Mississippi Lions Sight Foundation, Director of Lions World Services for the Blind and as a member of the association's board of directors; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his countless contributions and tireless service rendered as a Lion, Judge Patterson has been the deserving recipient of many honorable recognitions and awards, including Lion of the Year, awarded by the members of his home club, a 100% District Governor Award, a Key Member Award, 13 International President's Awards, two International Leadership Awards, the Mississippi Sight Foundation Leadership Award, and the Ambassador of Good Will Award -- the highest honor bestowed upon association members; and

WHEREAS, in addition, Judge Patterson is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and a member of the Mississippi Lions Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, for his fine civic efforts and exemplary public service in his community, Judge Patterson was selected as one of Hattiesburg's five Outstanding Young Men in 1959, for the Distinguished Service Award in 1965, and as one of Hattiesburg's Ten Outstanding Men in 1972; and

WHEREAS, devoted to church and family, Judge Patterson is a faithful member of the Main Street Baptist Church in Hattiesburg where he participates in many worthy activities; and

WHEREAS, Judge Patterson is lovingly supported in all his endeavors and work on behalf of the Lions by his devoted wife, Brenda, and their children, Kathy, Susan and Scotty, and four grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, on July 5, 1997, at the 80th annual International Convention of The International Association of Lions Clubs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Judge Patterson will respectfully assume the office of President of the International Lions, which he shall hold for one year before dutifully passing on the gavel at the next annual convention in Birmingham, England; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature of the State of Mississippi believes it to be most appropriate to pay special tribute to such an outstanding Mississippian as Judge Howard L. Patterson, Jr., the only Lion from Mississippi to ever be elevated to such a position of leadership in the Lions Clubs International, for the many outstanding contributions made through his service in the Hattiesburg Lions Club and The International Association of Lions Clubs:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Judge Howard L. Patterson, Jr. on his being selected President of The International Association of Lions Clubs and extend to him our heartiest wishes for every success as President of the International Lions and in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Judge Howard L. Patterson, Jr., the International Association of Lions Clubs, the Hattiesburg Lions and the Capitol Press Corps.