House Concurrent Resolution 74

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE LIVES AND LEGACIES OF ZEB ANDREWS HUGHES AND JAMESON MED GUNNER PALMER, EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS UPON THEIR PASSING, AND RAISING AWARENESS OF BOATING SAFETY BY ENCOURAGING MISSISSIPPI'S OBSERVATION OF NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK DURING THE WEEK OF MAY 21-27, 2022.

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 dearly beloved, Zeb Andrews Hughes and Jameson Med Gunner Palmer, to rest eternally, as they made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, on Thursday, December 3, 2020, rendering great sorrow and loss to their families and friends; and

WHEREAS, the Hazlehurst, Wesson and Brookhaven communities of Copiah and Lincoln Counties, lost two wonderful friends, outdoor enthusiasts and rising community pillars with the passing of Zeb Andrews Hughes and Jameson Med Gunner Palmer, and there is now a hush in our hearts as we come together to pay our respects to the memory of those who have been called to join that innumerable heavenly caravan; and

WHEREAS, born March 9, 1999, to Barry and Sharon Chassion Hughes, Zeb, a resident native of Wesson, was a devoted and loving son, brother, and an equally dependable, encouraging and trustworthy friend, who possessed a sense of humor that paralleled his affinity of the great outdoors, whether through his stellar sports play or heeding the call of the wild to be one with nature; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of Wesson Attendance Center, Zeb furthered his educational pursuits at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, East Mississippi Community College and Mississippi State University, and as a proud member of the Lincoln County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, he unashamedly shared his love for the Lord with others while partaking in the pastimes he enjoyed most; and

WHEREAS, born March 7, 2004, to Med and Kim Palmer, Gunner, a resident native of Hazlehurst, Mississippi, was a devoted and loving son, brother and loyal friend who donned an uplifting and kind spirit; he was characterized as a jokester and dedicated task undertaker, particularly as those tasks related to hunting and outdoor related activities; and

WHEREAS, a member of the Wounded Warrior Veteran hunts and the National Wild Turkey Federation, Gunner was secure in his faith in Christ, as evidenced through his membership at Bethel Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, the tragic and untimely passing of these bright lights of life and joy has saddened the hearts of both the Hughes and Palmer families who, while searching for a semblance of comfort and solace in knowing that their sons' transition to the spirit realm occurred while engaged in their passionate pursuit as great outdoorsmen, have united to raise awareness for boating safety; and

WHEREAS, in joining with the Hughes and Palmer families to emphasize the importance of boating safety, we encourage all boaters to observe the recommendations of the National Safe Boating Council, including: taking a boating safety course; checking equipment before launching; establishing a float plan by informing a nonoccupant of the trip itinerary, operator and passenger information, boat type and registration and available communication devices aboard the vessel; wearing a life jacket at all times; using an engine cut-off device; being weather and environmental conditions aware; having knowledge of destination, travel routes and navigating at safe speeds; never boating under the influence; and remaining in communication with a land-based individual; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of the importance of safe boating practices, the United States Congress, by joint resolution approved June 4, 1958 (36 USC 131), as amended, has authorized and requested the President to proclaim annually the seven-day period before Memorial Day weekend as "National Safe Boating Week"; and

WHEREAS, in reflecting upon the abbreviated lives and meaningful impacts of Zeb Hughes and Gunner Palmer on the lives of all they encountered, we encourage all citizens of this great Magnolia State to honor their legacies by observing National Safe Boating Week during the week of May 21-27, 2022; and

WHEREAS, we encourage the families to find solace from the overwhelming sadness created by the earthly departure of their beloved family members and be renewed in their faith that Zeb and Gunner fulfilled the purpose of their appointed time in adherence to the commandment of II Timothy 4:7, by having "fought a good fight, finishing the course and keeping the faith until the hour of their departure was at hand"; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend the lives of such remarkable individuals, as evidenced by the lives of Zeb Hughes and Gunner Palmer, whose lives, like candles in the wind, were prematurely extinguished, but sparked an inspiration of hope and renewed sense of responsibility and safety for those left behind:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the lives and legacies of Zeb Andrews Hughes and Jameson Med Gunner Palmer, expressing deepest sympathy to their families and friends upon their passing, and raising awareness of boating safety by encouraging Mississippi's observation of National Safe Boating Week during the week of May 21-27, 2022.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the families of Zeb Andrews Hughes and Jameson Med Gunner Palmer and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.