House Concurrent Resolution 54

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF WILLIAM DOUGLAS "DOUG" MCQUEEN AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, Mr. William Douglas McQueen, an inspirational mentor, dedicated educator and a true Southern gentleman who had a heart bursting with compassion, passed away after a long battle with cancer on September 8, 2015, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and many friends; and

WHEREAS, born on September 5, 1945, to hard working Christian parents, Jack and Mary McQueen, in Picayune, Mississippi, Mr. McQueen was taught by his parents from a very young age to consume as much knowledge as possible and share that with others; and

WHEREAS, steeped in an embedded and impenetrable respect for knowledge acquired through proper instruction, he instilled the importance of an education into each pupil through his detailed lectures as an English teacher at Ocean Springs High School, Bay St. Louis High School and Biloxi High School during his storied and highly revered 18-year career as a public educator; and

WHEREAS, through his leadership roles at Waveland Elementary School, Beauvoir Elementary School and Nichols Junior High School, Mr. McQueen's cardinal guidance, devoted leadership and encouraging words promoted education for each student and never accepted the average but helped each of them discover their extraordinary potential to fulfill their dreams; and

WHEREAS, after transitioning from the education arena to the private corporate sector, Mr. McQueen continued to impart his educational faculties to those placed under his tutelage as an education leadership and development trainer and consultant for companies in Mississippi, Texas, Alabama, Arkansas and Ohio, including Mississippi Power, Blake and Mouton, CSW and AEP; and

WHEREAS, when he wasn't teaching, Doug had a remarkable gift for transcribing his observations of the world in a beautiful, and sometimes, humorous way, and often drew inspiration from the outdoors, where he loved to spend his free time hunting and fishing, just as his dad had done; and

WHEREAS, William Douglas McQueen was the ultimate family man, and derived unparalleled joy from spending time with his family, and he touched the hearts of all those around him with his warm and loving personality and refreshing sense of humor that could lighten a mood with laughter and entertaining banter, ultimately enhancing even the most terrible of days; and

WHEREAS, though he was faced with unimaginable hardship, Doug never let the bad parts of his life outweigh the good, and despite his situation, he pushed through with determination, dignity and laughter, and even though his passing left an insatiable void in the hearts of all who knew him, Doug enriched the lives of each of them and truly made the world a better place just by living; and

WHEREAS, the legacy of Mr. McQueen will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his beloved survivors: wife, Sandy Shaw McQueen; children, William Sean McQueen and Gayle McQueen-Turner; sister, Jackanell McQueen-Smith; grandchildren, Liam, Rhett, Macie, Colton and Jack; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend the lives of fine educators in Mississippi, especially those such as Doug McQueen, an exhilarating combination of keen intellect and whimsical personality whose educational prowess and loving heart inspired those around him and brought great honor to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the life of Mr. William Douglas "Doug" McQueen, and express deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mrs. Sandy McQueen and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.