MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2005 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Upshaw, Compretta, Rotenberry, Gunn, Baker (74th), Broomfield, Carlton, Clark, Fredericks, Moak, Moss, Peranich, Read, Reynolds, Simpson, Smith (39th), Snowden, Watson, Zuber, Bentz, Scott, Ishee

House Concurrent Resolution 113

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE HONORABLE DAN M. RUSSELL, JR., UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT JUDGE FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF MISSISSIPPI.

     WHEREAS, the Honorable Dan M. Russell, Jr., United States District Court Judge for the Southern District of Mississippi, a  giant of a man in the judicial system of Mississippi and the United States, is a highly accomplished individual whose knowledge and wisdom was gained from his many years in the legal profession and serving on the bench; and

     WHEREAS, born March 15, 1913, in Magee, Mississippi, Judge Russell graduated from Gulfport High School and attended the University of Mississippi where he received his bachelor of arts and doctor of law degrees in 1935 and 1937, respectively; and

     WHEREAS, admitted to practice in the State Chancery and Circuit Courts, United States Federal District Court, Mississippi Supreme Court, United States Circuit Court of Appeals and the Internal Revenue Service, Judge Russell, a World War II veteran with United States Naval Intelligence and a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Naval Reserve, commenced his practice of law as a sole practitioner in 1938 before joining with Sam L. Favre in 1952 with the firm of Russell and Favre; and

     WHEREAS, Judge Russell was appointed United States District Judge for the Southern District of Mississippi on October 2, 1965, then served as Chief Judge from June 23, 1971, until October 25, 1983, where he has continued to serve as a Senior Judge; and

     WHEREAS, as a federal judge during the Civil Rights days, Judge Russell tried numerous, prominent civil and criminal cases, including 48 school integration cases in Mississippi, Texas and Alabama; and

     WHEREAS, having taken a prominent role in the Gulf Coast community, Judge Russell has been affiliated with the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Bay St. Louis Rotary Club, Mississippi Coastal Council Chamber of Commerce, American Society for Legal History, Inc., State of Mississippi Oil and Gas Board, Hancock Civic Action Association, Inc., Hancock County Bar Association, Mississippi State Bar Association and First Baptist Church of Bay St. Louis, where he is men's Bible class teacher and a lifetime deacon; and

     WHEREAS, during the 37 plus years Judge Russell has sat on the federal bench, he has accumulated many honors and recognitions, including having the Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Gulfport, Mississippi, named for him by the 107th Congress of the United States, in addition to being honored as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, presented the "Founder's Day" Award by the Gulfport Rotary Club, WLOX "Person of the Week," and recipient of the United States Supreme Court Justice Scalia Award; and

     WHEREAS, throughout his judicial career, Judge Russell has constantly enjoyed the love, support and encouragement of his wife, the former Dorothy Tudury and their three children, Ronald Truett Russell, Dorothy Dale James and Richard Brian Russell; and

     WHEREAS, the members of the Legislature wish to express their sincere appreciation to Judge Russell for his dedicated service to the people of the State of Mississippi and the United States of America:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the Honorable Dan M. Russell, Jr., United States District Court Judge for the Southern District of Mississippi for distinguished career accomplishments and for his many  contributions to the people of the State of Mississippi and express our heartiest wishes for continued success, peace and good health in the future.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Judge Dan M. Russell, Jr., and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.