Senate Concurrent Resolution 613

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE CONDOLENCES OF THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE TO THE BEREAVED FAMILY OF ALLEN (AL) W. GARY III OF MENDENHALL WHOSE EXTENSIVE PUBLIC SERVICE INCLUDED MAYOR, COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR, HOSPITAL CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT AND MAJOR IN THE MISSISSIPPI NATIONAL GUARD.

WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of Allen (Al) W. Gary III (71) of Mendenhall, Mississippi, on January 8, 2018. His record of achievement and legacy of leadership to all in Mississippi is a wonderful example for public servants; and

WHEREAS, Al was born on December 18, 1946, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the son of A.W., Jr., and Ursula "Sue" Gary. He grew up in Mendenhall, graduating from Mendenhall High School in 1965. Al attended the University of Mississippi, played football at Millsaps College, and graduated from Delta State University with a degree in Math Education. He also attended Belhaven College and later earned his designation as a Certified Public Accountant; and

WHEREAS, Al's professional career began as a public school teacher. He taught and coached for several years across the State of Mississippi at school districts, including North Pike School District, Coahoma County School System, and the Simpson County School System; and

WHEREAS, Al later began a long career as a CPA and Auditor. He was a member of the staff of the State Auditor's office, and later offered himself for further service as a candidate for the Office of State Auditor; and

WHEREAS, after leaving the State Auditor's office, he moved to McComb where he became the first Administrator for Pike County. He guided the county toward implementation of the county unit system of government. Al also worked as a partner in a CPA firm in McComb with his friend, Al Dribben. He and his wife, the former Marjorie Jean "Jeannie" Fitzgerald of McComb, then moved to his hometown of Mendenhall. Al began a private CPA practice with Fred Bourn of Mendenhall and Jackson, conducting state government audits. In 1999, he took the position of Business Manager for the Simpson County School District and continued in that position through 2009; and

WHEREAS, in 2001, Al was elected Mayor of Mendenhall, and completed his term in 2005. After a brief period of retirement, in 2011, Al took on another career position in his hometown as the CFO/COO at Simpson General Hospital until the time of his death. Al also served on the Board of Directors at Peoples Bank. He served as the Chairman of the Rural Health Solutions Board for the Mississippi Rural Health Association, and for many years, Al worked as a Budget Consultant for the City of Morton; and

WHEREAS, Al had been a member of the Mississippi National Guard and was retired from the U.S. Army Reserves after 24 years of honorable service with the rank of Major; and

WHEREAS, Al was a true servant, a servant of the Lord, his family, his church, and of each community in which he resided. He was a member and Deacon at First Baptist Church of Mendenhall. He had also served as a Gideon. Al served in so many ways and never sought recognition for himself, but any recognition he received was always well deserved. Al was honored by the Mendenhall Area Chamber of Commerce as "Citizen of the Year" in 2015; and

WHEREAS, besides being interested in community work, Al loved all sports, especially Ole Miss football. He enjoyed spending weekends at his deer camp with his favorite hunting and fishing buddies, Charles Cockrell of Dauphin Island, Alabama, and Don Crawford of Ocean Springs. Above all else, Al's love was for his family. In the past 10 years, Al especially enjoyed being "Papaw," and spending time with his precious granddaughters, Sunny and Rose Peden; and

WHEREAS, Al was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Jeannie Fitzgerald Gary of Mendenhall; three daughters: Jessica Wilson (Estus), Jamie Gary, and Jenny Gary Peden; two grandchildren, Sunny Peden and Rose Peden; one brother, Howard Gary; and special friends, Randall and Patty Neely and Steven and Deborah Ammann, all of Mendenhall; and

WHEREAS, we pay tribute and cherish fondly the memory of this most public-spirited citizen of Mississippi whose enormous civic energy is a legacy for all public servants:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby extend the condolences of the Mississippi Legislature to the bereaved family of Allen (Al) W. Gary III of Mendenhall whose extensive public service included Mayor, County Administrator, Hospital Chief Financial Officer, Certified Public Accountant, and Major in the Mississippi National Guard.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Al Gary, forwarded to the Mayor and City Council of Mendenhall, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.