House Resolution 2

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FALLEN LINCOLN COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF DONALD "WILLIAM" DURR AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, Lincoln County Deputy Sheriff Donald "William" Durr, an unabashed follower of Christ who brought great joy to the lives of children and young people, at the age of 36, departed this earthly life while protecting others in the line of duty on May 28, 2017, bringing great sorrow to his family, friends, fellow officers, Lincoln County as well as this great state and nation; and

WHEREAS, Deputy Durr, of Bogue Chitto, Mississippi, who is described as the nicest guy at the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department, was born to his loving parents, Donald Jeffrey Durr and Debbie Cox Durr on June 19, 1980, and he furthered his education by earning a bachelor's degree from Mississippi College; and

WHEREAS, answering the call to help, protect and encourage others, Deputy Durr served with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department for two years, and prior to that, he served with the Brookhaven Police Department for four years; and

WHEREAS, as a server and protector of the citizens of Lincoln County, Deputy Durr was known to pray for people on calls, and he was known for his upbeat, uplifting and encouraging spirit that made him well respected and memorable by those whom he encountered; and

WHEREAS, before joining law enforcement, Deputy Durr, who is described as a natural-born servant of the Lord, was a youth minister and a pastor, and in that role he led children to Christ by conducting puppet shows to deliver inspiring messages; and

WHEREAS, Deputy Durr was also a ventriloquist who took his puppets to schools and churches, and just as recently as two weeks ago, he entertained preschoolers by sharing a message that conveyed: like fireflies - people can use their inner light to help those around them, which is truly a message that he lived to its fullest extent; and

WHEREAS, recently, Deputy Durr had completed Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) training and was going to be the department's DARE officer for the fall, which was a natural fit due to his love and passion for young people; and

WHEREAS, in addition to being a humble and brave public servant who selflessly protected others, Deputy Durr was a faithful member of Moak's Creek Baptist Church and was a part of the Brookhaven Masonic Lodge, and was blessed with musical talent as a guitarist, and enjoyed woodworking; and

WHEREAS, the contributions of Deputy Durr will continue to flourish in the hearts and minds of his survivors, some of whom include: his beautiful wife, Tressie C. Hall; wonderful son, Nash Durr; caring mother, Debbie Durr; loving sister, Megan Durr; a special friend like a brother, Timothy Kees; father and mother-in-law, Johnny Ray and Brenda Hall; brothers-in-law, Stuart Hall and wife Sarabeth, Wade Price and Adam Cook; a sister-in-law, Briana Hall Price; and nieces, Ashlyn Hall, Raylee Price and Amelia Price; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Mississippi House of Representatives to honor and pay tribute to a true hero such as Deputy William Durr who made the ultimate sacrifice - a sacrifice that was made while protecting others and that will not be forgotten for generations to come:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do herby commend the life and legacy of Lincoln County Deputy Sheriff Donald "William" Durr and express deepest sympathy to his family, friends, fellow officers, and to the citizens of Lincoln County upon his passing.

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