House Resolution 26

A RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. DAVID HUNTER MANLEY, PHILANTHROPIST AND COMMUNITY LEADER OF SOUTHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, on January 24, 2021, the mortal presence of dearly beloved, David Hunter Manley, was called to eternal rest, surrounded by the love of his family and readings of the holy scripture by his loved ones; and

WHEREAS, born as the happy "surprise" to the joy and excitement of his parents on July 17, 1957, in Union City, Tennessee, David weighed in at just over thirteen pounds creating the baby weight record at Obion County General Hospital, a title he held until 2012, when another baby was born weighing fifteen pounds; and

WHEREAS, David's birth weight record was not the only record he made during his life, in high school, he was an amazing student athlete who ranked as a West Tennessee All American High School Football player during his junior and senior year and he earned numerous scholarship offers to prestigious universities such as Wake Forest, Auburn University and the Naval Academy; and

WHEREAS, David refused all of those offers to ensure he could remain close to his high school sweetheart and future bride, Tonya Wisely, "Tony," who would become his devoted wife of 43 years and with whom he was blessed with three sons: Nick, Josh and Kyle; and

WHEREAS, he began his career at Northpoint Christian School in 1978, as an assistant football coach and went on to positively pour into the lives of thousands of children as an educator, principal, headmaster and president embodying his biblical life principals in each motivational speech or lesson he provided; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Manley retired from Northpoint Christian School after 39 years, but his passion to improve the lives of others motivated him to remain active as its President Emeritus, and continue to sponsor the David H. Manley Golf Tournament and the David H. Manley Scholarship to a graduating senior of Northpoint Christian School; and

WHEREAS, a Godly man of faith and conviction, he genuinely loved Christ, his wife, children, grandchildren, and his Broadway Baptist Church family, and he sought to have his life exemplify the principles of the holy word in all he did; and

WHEREAS, he is described as a selfless achiever who led by example and never expected recognition, even though accolades were constantly thrust upon him, he gave all glory and honor to Jesus and sought to serve him in all of his actions; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Manley will forever be loved, cherished and missed by all who knew him, and since it is written in 2 Corinthians 5:8, that to be "absent from the body is to be present with the Lord," his family and friends can find peace and comfort during this difficult time, and his legacy of love, leadership and faith will be cherished by his beloved wife, sons, sister, Carole, brother, Steve, eleven grandchildren and other family members, friends and former students; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the lives of outstanding Mississippians, especially those such as Mr. Manley, who inspired everyone he met and whose life's light illuminated the path of hope for all he encountered along his earthly sojourn:

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 Mr. David Hunter Manley and express deepest sympathy upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. David Hunter Manley and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.