MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2019 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Tollison, Dearing, Kirby

Senate Resolution 11

A RESOLUTION TO COMMEND SENATOR WILLIE SIMMONS FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE.

     WHEREAS, Senator Willie Simmons is retiring from the Mississippi Senate to run for higher office after serving 27 years in the Senate (1993-present); and

     WHEREAS, Senator Willie Simmons is a man of integrity and hard work with a complete knowledge of Mississippi's corrections and highway finance, and there is an acknowledged respect of our esteemed colleague, gentleman and enlightened lawmaker; and

     WHEREAS, Willie Simmons (born March 21, 1947) is a Democratic member of the Mississippi State Senate, representing District 13, which comprises portions of Bolivar, Sunflower and Tallahatchie Counties.  He was first elected to the Senate in 1993; and

     WHEREAS, Senator Simmons attended Utica Junior College, and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Alcorn State University, Master of Science Degree from Delta State University, and Education Specialist (Ed.S) Degree from Delta State University.  His professional experience includes working in administration, restaurants and consulting.  He is the Owner of Simmons and Associates, and The Senator's Place BBQ Restaurant in Cleveland, Mississippi; and

     WHEREAS, at the beginning of the 2015 legislative session, Simmons served on the following committees:  Highways and Transportation, Chair; Agriculture; Appropriations; Corrections; Legislative Budget; Ports and Marine Resources; Public Health and Welfare; and State Library; and

     WHEREAS, Senator Simmons is currently the Chair of the Highways and Transportation Committee in the Senate.  In the past he has pushed for the lottery and for raising the gas tax to pay for much-needed infrastructure repairs across the state; and

     WHEREAS, he is a member of Solomon Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church and his affiliations include:  American Correctional Association; Bolivar County 100 Black Men; Prince Hall Mason; Omega Psi Phi; NAACP; and Alcorn State University and Delta State University Alumni Associations; and

     WHEREAS, Senator Simmons is a Veteran of the Vietnam Conflict; and

     WHEREAS, Willie Simmons and his wife, Rosie, have four children:  Avery, Christopher, Reginald and Sarita; and

     WHEREAS, Senator Simmons's service has been marked by his commitment to success and recognized leadership, sound judgment and fairness.  He has set the highest standard in all his many roles, as a father, husband, businessman, Veteran, citizen, statesman and leader in the Mississippi Senate and as a true friend:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and recognize Senator Willie Simmons, whose outstanding service enriched everyone with whom he was associated, and we wish Willie and his family much success in their future endeavors.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Senator Willie Simmons and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.