MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2021 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Boyd, Kirby, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), McMahan, DeLano, England, McDaniel, Michel, Whaley, Wiggins, Blount, Chassaniol, Johnson, Hopson, Harkins, Fillingane, Barnett, Barrett, Blackwell, Butler, Caughman, Chism, DeBar, Frazier, McLendon, Parker, Seymour, Suber, Thomas, Williams, Witherspoon, Simmons (12th), Simmons (13th), Sparks
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FORMER STATE SENATOR AND REPRESENTATIVE NOLAN METTETAL OF SARDIS, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXTENDING THE PROFOUND SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE TO HIS SURVIVING FAMILY ON HIS PASSING.
WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of former State Senator and State Representative Nolan Mettetal of Sardis, Mississippi, on December 28, 2020, at the age of 75, following a battle with COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, Nolan Mettetal was born on November 19, 1945, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to the late Wayne and Georgia Brewer Mettetal; and
WHEREAS, Nolan Mettetal was a former member of the Mississippi House of Representatives, serving for two terms, representing District 10. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 and did not run for re-election in 2019. He served 16 years in the Mississippi Senate from 1996 to 2012 also representing District 10. He was first elected as a Democrat, but changed his party affiliation to Republican in 2008; and
WHEREAS, following a total of 24 years of service to his beloved Panola County and the State of Mississippi, he and his wife, Kay, enjoyed their daily walks around Sardis Lake and had a special love for Ole Miss and Northwest Mississippi Community College. Nolan took great pride in serving others, but his main priority was loving Kay; and
WHEREAS, Mettetal attended Northwest Mississippi Community College and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy from the University of Mississippi. Nolan was a registered Pharmacist and member of the Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Sardis, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, he served as Chairman of the Business and Financial Institutions Committee in the Senate and as Chairman of the Universities and Colleges Committee in the House and was most interested in legislation advancing the practice of pharmacy. He served on and was very active on the Appropriations Committees of both houses; and
WHEREAS, in Nolan Mettetal, the citizens of Panola County and the surrounding area were served by a most dedicated and effective legislator. Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann spoke fondly of Mettetal, "He and 'Mrs. Kay' were always together in the Capitol in Jackson. Nolan provided leadership for over two decades not only on policy, but also on personal character and statesmanship"; and
WHEREAS, Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives Philip Gunn called Mettetal his friend, noting the lawmaker's kindness and calm manner. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Nolan Mettetal. Nolan served Mississippi and the people of District 10 with distinction during his many years in the Mississippi Legislature. He will be remembered for his considerate manner in all circumstances. Nolan was an esteemed colleague, and it was an honor to call him my friend"; and
WHEREAS, Nolan Mettetal is predeceased by his parents and is survived by his beloved wife, "Mrs. Kay," who was a well-known and respected member of the Mississippi Legislative family; son, Dr. Cary Nolan Mettetal (Carla); daughter, Kim Mettetal Reed (Randall); and grandchildren, whom he loved with everything he had: Gracie Kay Mettetal, Jules Mettetal, Nolan Paul Reed, Adelaide Reed and Sadie Kay Reed; and
WHEREAS, it is often said there are fewer greater callings in life than that of holding public office and Nolan Mettetal answered that call for 24 years at the Mississippi Legislature with integrity and distinction. We pay tribute and cherish fondly the memory of this most public-spirited citizen of Mississippi, whose enormous civic energy is a wonderful example for all public servants in Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby pay tribute to the legacy of public service and life of former State Senator and State Representative Nolan Mettetal of Sardis, Mississippi, and extend the profound sympathy of the Legislature to his surviving family on his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Nolan Mettetal and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.