House Resolution 60

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MR. ROBERT EARL HILL, SR., UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS 101ST BIRTHDAY AND EXTENDING SINCERE WISHES FOR HIS HAPPINESS ON SUCH A MOMENTOUS AND JOYFUL OCCASION.

WHEREAS, on March 14, 1920, the world was blessed with the birth of Mr. Robert Earl Hill, Sr., and now over a century later, upon the delightful occasion of his 101st birthday, he continues to inspire those around him; and

WHEREAS, on March 14, 2021, family and friends celebrated the World War II veteran's birthday with a drive-through parade at his retirement center in Meridian, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hill was born at home in Noxubee County, Mississippi, in the Cooksville community, grew up in a large family with six sisters and one brother, and he graduated Cooksville-Paulette High School in 1939; and

WHEREAS, after graduating, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corp, and he was stationed at Clarkco State Park where he met his wife Rida whom he married in 1941; and

WHEREAS, shortly after getting married, Robert was drafted into the United States Army to serve in World War II where he spent four years on active duty in Italy and North Africa, and after returning home from the war, he tried to stay busy with work to help adjust back to normal life; and

WHEREAS, in 1955, he founded McDonald & Hill, a water and gas systems company, which he said proudly has two-third generation members working for it, and he retired from the company at the age of 65, leaving it to be run by his sons; and

WHEREAS, Robert, a member of First Baptist Church in Meridian, Mississippi, credits his strong Christian faith as his key to living a long, healthy life; and

WHEREAS, Robert and his wife, who had four sons, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary in August of 2013, before the love of his life sadly passed away on May 5, 2014, 10 days before turning 92; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the lives of Mississippi's greatest generation, especially those such as Mr. Robert Hill on the occasion of his 101st birthday, for being a man of faith and love, bringing honor to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mr. Robert Earl Hill, Sr., upon the occasion of his 101st birthday and extend sincere wishes for his happiness on such a momentous and joyful occasion.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Robert Earl Hill, Sr., and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.