House Concurrent Resolution 4

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING REPRESENTATIVE GARY CHISM FOR HIS LEGISLATIVE LEGACY AND PUBLIC SERVICE AND CONGRATULATING HIM UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE MISSISSIPPI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

WHEREAS, Representative Gary Chism, the distinguished Gentleman from Lowndes County, Mississippi, retired from the Mississippi House of Representatives after 21 years of service on June 30, 2020, after tirelessly representing House District 37, which includes Clay, Lowndes and Oktibbeha Counties; and

WHEREAS, blessed with a passion for public service, Representative Chism was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives in 1999, and throughout his over two decades in the House, he served on various committees such as Banking, Conservation, Education, Judiciaries A and B, Local and Private, Public Utilities, Rules and Ways and Means, and he served as the insightful and effective Chairman of the Insurance Committee for eight years; and

WHEREAS, notably due to his impeccable service and stout leadership qualities, Representative Chism was lovingly referred to as the "Dean of the Golden Triangle Legislative Delegation" by many of his colleagues and friends; and

WHEREAS, a native of Columbus, Mississippi, Representative Chism was born in 1950, as the first son born to Cleo and Clauson Chism, and he is a 1968 graduate of New Hope High School; and

WHEREAS, upon graduating from New Hope, Representative Chism attended Mississippi State University until enlisting in the Mississippi National Guard in 1969, where he served and rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class, which speaks to the love he has for this state and great country; and

WHEREAS, Representative Chism, a man of many talents, is a co-owner and agent of Columbus Insurance Services, Inc., which was established in 1978, when he purchased a partnership interest, and in 1980, he attained a Chartered Life Underwriter designation from the American College and a Certified Insurance Counselor designation from the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors; and

WHEREAS, in 1989 Representative Chism, in addition to being a successful business owner in the insurance industry, was elected to the Lowndes County School Board, and one year later, he was appointed to the East Mississippi Community College Board of Trustees; and

WHEREAS, Representative Chism, a Mason, York Rite and Shriner, is affiliated with a variety of professional organizations, some of which include: Independent Insurance Agents of America and of Mississippi, National Association of Insurance Financial Advisors, Mississippi Association of Life Underwriters and Society of Certified Insurance Counselors; and

WHEREAS, the laudable service of Representative Chism would be without gratification but for the continued service of his beautiful wife of 50 years, Barbara, and their sons, Chris and Ashley, and grandchildren, Cade and Bailey, who selflessly sacrificed countless hours without him so that he could fulfill his legislative obligations; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to honor the impressive legacy of remarkable service of our colleague and friend, Representative Gary Chism, who represented House District 37, this body and the people of this state with unparalleled honor and dignity:

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 legislative career and public service of the honorable Gentleman from Lowndes, Representative Gary Chism, and express best wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

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