MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Robinson (84th), Horne, Bailey, Banks, Barnett (116th), Barnett (92nd), Blackmon, Bourdeaux, Bowles, Bozeman, Broomfield, Brown, Cameron, Capps, Chaney, Clark, Clarke, Coleman (29th), Coleman (65th), Comans, Compretta, Cummings, Davis, Dedeaux, Denny, Dickson, Eaton, Ellington, Ellis, Ellzey, Endt, Evans, Flaggs, Ford, Formby, Foster, Franks, Fredericks, Frierson, Gadd, Gibbs, Green (34th), Green (72nd), Green (96th), Grist, Guice, Hamilton, Henderson (26th), Henderson (9th), Holden, Holland, Howell, Huddleston, Hudson, Ishee, Janus, Jennings, Johnson, Ketchings, King, Livingston, Malone, Manning, Maples, Markham, Martinson, McBride, McCoy, McElwain, McInnis, Middleton, Miles, Miller, Mitchell, Moak, Montgomery, Moody, Moore, Morris, Moss, Myers, Nettles, Peranich, Perkins, Perry, Read, Reeves, Reynolds, Robertson, Robinson (63rd), Rogers, Rotenberry, Ryan, Saucier, Scott (17th), Scott (80th), Shows, Simmons (100th), Simmons (37th), Simpson, Smith (27th), Smith (35th), Smith (39th), Smith (59th), Stevens, Straughter, Stribling, Stringer, Taylor, Thomas, Thornton, Vince, Walker, Wallace, Warren, Watson, Weathersby, Wells-Smith, West, Williams, Woods, Young

House Concurrent Resolution 113

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MR. ANDREW JACKSON REESE, JR., AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING. 

WHEREAS, Andrew Jackson Reese, Jr., affectionately known as "Andy," of Jackson, Mississippi, departed this life on February 1, 1998, causing great sorrow and loss, not only to his family and friends, but to the many Mississippians who came to know his name through his work as a journalist; and

WHEREAS, Andy Reese, a native of Tupelo, Mississippi, was born on November 19, 1932, the son of Major League baseball great and Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame honoree Andy Reese, Sr., and Margaret Stone Reese; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from Tupelo High School in 1950, Andy Reese earned a degree in journalism at Mississippi State University, where he was editor of the campus newspaper, The Reflector; and

WHEREAS, in 1954, he served a tour of duty for two years in the United States Air Force where he served as Assistant Information Officer at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi, and Information Services Officer at Amarillo Air Force Base in Texas; and

WHEREAS, Andy Reese worked for the United Press International for 28 years, including 21 years in Mississippi, where he worked as a legislative reporter and State Manager for U.P.I.; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure with U.P.I. in Mississippi, Andy Reese covered every major political campaign in the state and every regular session of the Mississippi Legislature from 1964 through 1984, including the historical events of the Civil Rights Era; and

WHEREAS, his clear, unbiased and crisply written articles during those thorny times of the 60's appeared in newspapers throughout Mississippi, and informed our citizens about legislative and other matters of public concern; and

WHEREAS, Andy Reese was widely known to have a soft, quiet voice, filled with humor and respect for all he met and lending reason in times of turmoil; and

WHEREAS, after retiring from U.P.I. in 1985, Andy Reese became the first Public Information Officer for the Mississippi House of Representatives, a position he held until his untimely death; and

WHEREAS, in that capacity, he wrote articles, speeches, legislative summaries for House members, published the House Newsletter, which he created in 1985 when he joined the staff, performed a myriad of many other duties and responsibilities in which his goal was to present a positive image of the House of Representatives; and

WHEREAS, in performing his duties as the House Public Information Officer, Andy Reese earned widespread respect for his accuracy and fairness in reporting, his insight into the complex problems facing the Legislature, his unwavering support of each member of the House, his knowledge of the legislative process, and his love of the Legislature as an institution; and

WHEREAS, in addition to being one of the state's most respected journalists, Andy Reese was an individual with a solid reputation of unquestionable integrity and dedication, compassion, and devotion to his family and his spiritual convictions; and

WHEREAS, Andy Reese was known by his many friends as a man of enormous talent, quiet wit and a great sense of humor, with diverse interests ranging from his love of music to his steadfast loyalty to the Mississippi State University Bulldogs; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Reese is survived by his lovely wife, Dotti, three children, Andrew, Dennis and Melinda and five grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, even though he was small in stature when with us on earth, Andy Reese stands tall in the hearts and memories of each member of the House of Representatives and many other Mississippians; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature of the State of Mississippi finds it most appropriate to pay special tribute to such an outstanding Mississippian as Mr. Andrew Jackson Reese, Jr., who generously contributed his exceptional talent and abilities in journalism to the citizens of the State of Mississippi:

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. Andrew Jackson Reese, Jr., are hereby memorialized for the State of Mississippi as a true example of a remarkable and dedicated journalist, whose long and distinguished career epitomizes a life rich in achievement and service to his fellowman.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Legislature does hereby express and extend our heartfelt sympathy to the devoted wife and family of Mr. Andy Reese.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. Andrew Jackson Reese, Jr., and the Capitol Press Corps.