House Concurrent Resolution 2

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE ESTEEMED AND LAUDABLE LEGISLATIVE CAREER AND PUBLIC SERVICE AND MOURNING THE LOSS OF THE MOST HONORABLE AND DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN FROM JONES, REPRESENTATIVE GARY V. STAPLES.

WHEREAS, it is written in II Corinthians 4:17-18, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal," and as such, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of the honorable and distinguished Gentleman from Jones, former Representative Gary V. Staples, who represented House District 88, which encompasses portions of Jasper and Jones Counties, for more than 21 years, as he has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, the Laurel community of Jones County lost a wonderful friend with the passing of Representative Staples, born to his late parents, Mr. Victor and Mrs. Opal Staples, on Tuesday, January 16, 1940, 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, under the exceptional guidance of his parents, who placed a premium value on religion, education and civic involvement, a young Gary graduated from Glade High School, and thought it best to remain close to home for his postsecondary matriculation at Jones County Junior College before transferring to the University of Southern Mississippi, before answering the call to patriot arms in defense of the stars and banners of democracy when he enlisted in the United States Navy; and

WHEREAS, before assuming his first term as a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from District 88 in 1988, Representative Staples, devoted himself to keeping people connected as a cable splicing technician with BellSouth, before retiring after 31 years, and subsequently performing consulting work for Northstar Communications, Inc., as well as SunCoast Communications as a consultant; and

WHEREAS, upon his re-election to the House in 2004, Representative Staples became the distinguished Gentleman from Jones upon being sworn into office, and wasted no time requesting the legislation, amendments and reports that would help effectuate into law the ideologies and policy changes that his constituents had elected him to further; and

WHEREAS, Representative Staples's love and deeply felt respect for the Legislature as a hallowed institution was innately apparent in his welcoming and authentically pleasant and cordial disposition, which have served as beacons of hope in pursuits to preserve and nurture the integrity of the body for all legislators; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure as a legislator, Representative Staples has served on the following committees: Agriculture; Conservation and Water Resources; Education; Labor; Fees and Salaries of Public Officers; Forestry; Oil, Gas and Other Minerals; Tourism; Universities and Colleges; Public Utilities; Ways and Means; Banking and Financial Services; Energy, as Vice Chairman from 2012-2016, and as Chairman from 2016-2020; and Appropriations; and

WHEREAS, not one to limit his community involvement to the Legislature, Representative Staples, a telecommunications specialist and consultant by profession, has always been active in his district and dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens, as evidenced by his service and affiliation as a member of the Jones County Board of Education, the Jones County Farm Bureau Board, the EDA Board of Jones County, the Telephone Pioneers of America, the Jones County Cattlemen's Association, the Jones County Rosin Heels Sons of Confederate Veterans and American Legion Posts 11 and 40 et 8; and

WHEREAS, while Representative Staples has been favored with many opportunities both far and near, those that really know his heart know that his first love is his darling wife, Mrs. Betty Norton Staples, who, in accordance with the blueprint divinely designed for the pattern of Gary's life by the Great Deity and grand architect of our lives' destiny, won her suitor's heart with her warm disposition, beautiful smile, genteel nature, and with whom he embarked upon a remarkable journey of love that spanned more than 53 years, which was highlighted with sparks of joy with the addition of two sons; and

WHEREAS, the members of the House of Representatives will cherish the bond and common goals for the betterment of this great state shared with the Honorable Representative Gary V. Staples over the course of the past 21 years, and that his impeccable service was unparalleled to the Mississippi Legislature and to the constituents of District 88; and

WHEREAS, Representative Staples led a life of bravery in the face of challenge, sincerity in the face of apathy and honesty in the presence of deceit, and through it all, he remained a phenomenal gentleman, grounded in his integrity, who sought to improve the lives of others through positive example, hard work and the undeniable truths of the Word of God; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed life's river to now stand upon the celestial shores in wonderment of Heaven's grandeur in glorious reunion with the kindred spirits who transitioned before him, including his parents Victor and Opal Staples, the legacy of Representative Staples' indelible imprint upon our lives will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his beloved survivors: devoted wife of 53 years, Betty Norton Staples; sons, Garrick Staples (Wendy) and Grant Staples (Hope); grandchildren, Solomon Staples, Seth Staples, Chase Welborn, Brooke Moffett (Trevor) and Brett Welborn; brothers, David Staples (Sylvia), Johnny Staples (Barbara), Danny Staples (Barbara), Jack Staples (June), Joe Staples, Ben Staples (Janet) and Sam Staples (Kay); sisters, Rachel Hull (Johnny), Sarah Brashier (Joe), Rebekah Walter (Peter), Judy Davis (Jimmy) and Vickie Smith (Jim); and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to honor the indelible legacy of remarkable service of our former colleague and friend, Representative Gary V. Staples, who represented his district, this body and the people of this state with honor and intrepid dignity, and whose monumental life of a genuine selflessness illuminated the path of hope for all he encountered along this earthly sojourn:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the esteemed and laudable legislative career and public service and mourn the loss of the most honorable, distinguished Gentleman from Jones, Representative Gary V. Staples, to whose family we express sincere and deepest sympathy upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Representative Gary V. Staples and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.