MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2010 2nd Extraordinary Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Kirby, Burton, Butler, Dearing, Fillingane, Jackson (32nd), Lee (35th), Montgomery, Stone, Ward, Yancey

Senate Concurrent Resolution 511

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE LIFE OF FORMER BRANDON MAYOR W.L. WHITTINGTON.

     WHEREAS, former Mayor W.L. Whittington, credited with guiding Brandon through the aftermath of a 1992 tornado, passed away on Friday, April 23, 2010, at the age of 70; and

     WHEREAS, Mayor Whittington oversaw the opening of a refurbished City Hall and major improvements to the city's recreation facilities at Shiloh Park; and

     WHEREAS, "He adored the City of Brandon, and he wanted the best," daughter Memrie Conner said.  Her father was a proven leader, one who was instrumental in rebuilding the city after $25 Million in storm-related damage; and

     WHEREAS, Whittington led the city from 1989-1997.  He also had served on the Brandon Board of Alderman from 1985-1989; and

     WHEREAS, Whittington was born on February 22, 1940, in Liberty, Mississippi.  He graduated from Liberty High School in 1958 as a Football High School All-American, attended Mississippi State University on a football scholarship and was a member of the M Club, and graduated from Delta State University obtaining a Master's Degree in Education; and

     WHEREAS, he coached Brandon High School's football team in 1965, and worked for the State Department of Education for 27 years in Adult Education.  He was a charter member of Brandon Baptist Church, a member of Max Gilliland's Sunday School Class and a leader in every sense of the word; and

     WHEREAS, in addition to his parents, Clayton and Rose Whittington, Mr. Whittington was preceded in death by a sister, Polly Wilkinson, and a brother, Glen Whittington.  He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Millie Wyatt Whittington; their two children:  daughter, Memrie (Bill) Conner, and son, Will (Christie) Whittington; four grandchildren, Whitt Conner, Josh Conner, Christopher Pippin and Carly Pippin; two sisters, Pat (Kenneth) Smith of St. Joseph, Louisiana, and Becky (Stewart) Riggar of Alexandria, Louisiana; one brother, Garland (Margie) Whittington of Liberty; and several wonderful nieces and nephews; and

     WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of this respected public servant who was dedicated to his city and to the State of Mississippi:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the life and legacy of public service of former Brandon Mayor W.L. Whittington of Brandon, Mississippi, and extend to his surviving family our sympathy on his passing.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of former Mayor Whittington, forwarded to the Board of Aldermen of the City of Brandon, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.