House Resolution 73

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF COACH LONNIE WALKER.

WHEREAS, "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven," and as such on February 24, 2020, the grand architect of the universe, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny, summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Coach Lonnie Walker, to eternal rest, as he has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family, friends and former players; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi and the Alcorn State University family, lost a wonderful friend, community leader and hall of fame coach with the passing of Coach Walker, and there is now a hush in our hearts as we come together to pay our respects to the memory of one who has been called to join that innumerable heavenly caravan; and

WHEREAS, before beginning his tenure at Alcorn State University, Lonnie Walker was a tremendous athlete at Fidelity High School in Houston, Mississippi, where he played football, basketball, baseball, track and field and tennis; and

WHEREAS, upon receiving his purple and gold uniform, Lonnie Walker continued to impress with his athletic prowess, as he lettered in basketball, baseball and tennis from 1964 until 1968, and standing at 6 foot 4 inches, he was the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Freshman of the Year in basketball in the 1964-1965 season while also playing catcher on the baseball team; and

WHEREAS, throughout his tenure as a student-athlete at Alcorn, Lonnie Walker was a part of three men's basketball teams that won SWAC Championships in 1965-1966, 1966-1967 and 1967-1968; and

WHEREAS, after graduation, Lonnie transitioned from athlete extraordinaire into a remarkably gifted coach, becoming an assistant men's basketball coach under Davey L. Whitney for 22 seasons, and while he served as assistant, the Alcorn Braves posted winning seasons in 19 of the 22 years, appearing in the NCAA Tournament in 1979-1980, 1981-1982, 1982-1983 and 1983-1984 as well as the NIT Tournament in 1978-1979 and 1984-1985; and

WHEREAS, in addition to helping coach the men's basketball team, Coach Walker was the head coach for the women's basketball team before his loving wife, Shirley Walker, took over the position in 1978; and

WHEREAS, Coach Walker succeeded Coach Whitney as the head men's basketball coach at Alcorn State University in 1989 and continued in that role until 1993, and for his many successes both as an athlete and a coach, Coach Walker was inducted into the Alcorn A-Club Sports Hall of Fame in 2005 and the SWAC Hall of Fame in 2011; and

WHEREAS, Alcorn State University was superbly coached and inspired by Coach Walker, who broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and the trophies from his successful seasons at Alcorn State University remind visitors of the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by his tenacious and undaunted spirit; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to reunite with those who answered God's summons to life eternal and now beckon his arrival to the celestial shores of Heaven's grandeur, the legacy of Coach Walker will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his beloved survivors, including his wife, Shirley Walker, and a host of other relatives, friends and former players; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to acknowledge the selflessness and benevolence of fine Mississippians such as Coach Walker, who radiated excellence and inspired all those who had the opportunity to know him and experience his greatness:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the life and legacy of Coach Lonnie Walker and extend sincere and deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Coach Lonnie Walker and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.