MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Banks, Bozeman, Evans, Green (72nd), Robinson (63rd), Wallace, Watson

House Concurrent Resolution 82

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE OF THOMPSON TYSON TERRY, SR., AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY UPON HIS PASSING. 

WHEREAS, Mr. Thompson Tyson Terry, Sr., after a very brief illness, departed this life on December 31, 1997, causing great loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Terry was born on February 9, 1943, to the late Frances E. Tyson and Paul S. Terry, Sr., in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from West Philadelphia High School, Mr. Terry attended Penn State University, where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration in 1965; and

WHEREAS, while attending Penn State University, Mr. Terry worked summers as a communications technician and television broadcast technician at WCAU-TV in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Terry attended the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service, Inc., in New York City before forming a partnership with his brother to continue the operation of the funeral home business originally started by their parents in 1938; and

WHEREAS, becoming the youngest radio operator to receive a license at age 11, Mr. Terry's greatest passion was amateur radio which was part of his life for over 43 years; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Terry was a proud member of Lombard Central Presbyterian Church where he sang in the male chorus and served as Vice Moderator of the Youth Alliance; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Terry actively participated in over 20 social and fraternal organizations including Olde Philadelphia Club, Black Alumni of Penn State, National Association of Business and Educational Radio and Epsilon Nu Delta Mortuary Fraternity, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, serving for many years in leadership roles, at the time of his passing, Mr. Terry was president of Quaker State Funeral Directors Association, Inc., and the financial secretary of the First District of National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, he is survived by his wife, Lauretta, three children, two grandsons and many other relatives; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature of the State of Mississippi finds it appropriate to pay tribute to a remarkable man such as Mr. Thompson Tyson Terry, Sr., a gentleman who graciously acknowledged others through words of kindness and respect:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That the life and accomplishments of Mr. Thompson Tyson Terry, Sr., are hereby memorialized as an example of a successful businessman devoted to church and family, and we express our deepest sympathy to his family for their loss.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. Thompson Tyson Terry, Sr., and the Capitol Press Corps.