MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Ford, Holland, Scott (17th)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF WILLIAM THOMAS FIELDS AND EXTENDING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, William Thomas Fields, a native of Tupelo, Mississippi, departed this life on February 13, 1999, causing a great loss to his friends and family; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Fields was a successful businessman with a rare and visionary entrepreneurial mind; and

WHEREAS, in the early 1980's, Mr. Fields, along with eight other original investors, formed LDDS of Mississippi, the parent company of MCI WorldCom, currently the second largest telecommunications company in the world; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Fields, a man with the talent for understanding business strategy and the long-term implications of decisions, served with distinction as the founding chairman and chief executive officer of LDDS, now MCI WorldCom; and

WHEREAS, a generous and selfless individual, Mr. Fields was a worthy example of a charitable man who donated numerous anonymous gifts to his alma mater, Millsaps College, Camp Hopewell Conference and Spiritual Retreat Center near Oxford, the First Presbyterian Church, USA of Tupelo, and many other religious, educational and humanitarian causes; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and pay special tribute to outstanding Mississippians such as Mr. Fields, whose business success and exceptional character are remarkable examples for all to follow:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life and accomplishments of William Thomas Fields and express our deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of William Thomas Fields and members of the Capitol Press Corps.