House Resolution 164

A RESOLUTION HONORING THE DISTINGUISHED LIFE AND LEGACY OF PUBLIC SERVICE OF REPRESENTATIVE LYNN WRIGHT AND EXPRESSING DEEP SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, on June 17, 2022, the State of Mississippi and the citizens of District 37 lost a great advocate, sincere public servant and dedicated family man when Representative Lynn Wright transitioned this earthly life to heavenly reward; and

WHEREAS, Representative Wright was a magnificent husband to his beloved wife, Ginger, who lovingly remained by his side, and cared for him daily until he took his last breath; and

WHEREAS, all who knew Representative Wright knew he was a passionate athlete and his personal athletic talent and intellect were evident as early as Carrollton High School (Alabama), where he was a premiere student-athlete who graduated valedictorian in 1970, where he played football for Hall of Fame Coach Billy McGee; and

WHEREAS, he carried his athletic talents to the University of West Alabama (UWA) where he helped lead the Tigers to a 22-7-3 overall record during his three years in Livingston, including an overall record of 8-1-2 and a trip to the NAIA Semifinals in 1972; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from UWA in 1975, he used his talents and knowledge of the game of football to train the next generation of athletes by beginning his coaching career in 1983, at McIntosh Academy, where he would serve as head coach through the 1987 season, win four ACAC 2A State Titles and the NACA Division II National Championship in 1984; and

WHEREAS, in 1988, he accepted the head coaching job at Pickens Academy, where he remained for 16 years, during which time he brilliantly led the Pirates to five AISA 2A state championships in football and three baseball state titles as well; and

WHEREAS, during the course of his coaching career, Representative Wright experienced an impressive 211-55 overall record in 22 years of coaching football, owned a 237-77 record in 11 years of coaching baseball, coached five undefeated football teams and put together winning streaks of 47 and 32 games; and

WHEREAS, in addition to coaching, he also served as the headmaster at Pickens Academy, earning the AISA 2A Presidents Award for the Highest Academic School in its class, and was also a 2003 inductee into the AISA Hall of Fame, and as headmaster and head coach of Jackson Academy and high school principal at New Hope High School; and

WHEREAS, he served in education as headmaster and coach for 44 years of his life; and

WHEREAS, public service became his new passion in 2011, when he was elected and served as Lowndes County, Mississippi, Superintendent of Education from 2011 through 2019 during which time the school district under his leadership received an "A" rating from the state, a state of the art career technical center, and two schools were built under his leadership, new Caledonia Elementary and New Hope High School; and

WHEREAS, in 2020, his passions for public service led him to the Mississippi House of Representatives when he was elected to serve District 37 and served as a Republican, where he worked diligently and passionately for his district until his passing; and

WHEREAS, Representative Wright was beloved during his time as a legislator, and he exuded patience, kindness and fortitude with his colleagues, the House leadership and his constituents; and

WHEREAS, he also made sure his beloved Ginger was nearby as she would often assist him in executing his duties to provide exemplary service to the citizens of District 37; and

WHEREAS, of all titles, Representative Wright was most proud to be a husband to Ginger, father to their sons, Josh, Jody and Jonathan, and grandfather to his wonderful grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the lives of dedicated educators and leaders, who become impeccable and committed public servants for the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, as members of the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi, we do hereby honor the life and legacy of the Honorable Representative Lynn Wright and express our deepest sympathy to Ginger, Josh, Jody, Jonathan and other family and friends for their tremendous loss.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mrs. Ginger Wright, Josh Wright, Jody Wright, Jonathan Wright and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.