House Resolution 173

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE MOST HONORABLE AND DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN FROM HARRISON, REPRESENTATIVE RANDALL H. PATTERSON, FOR HIS ESTEEMED AND LAUDABLE LEGISLATIVE CAREER AND PUBLIC SERVICE UPON THE SPECIAL OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE MISSISSIPPI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

WHEREAS, the honorable and distinguished Gentleman from Harrison, Representative Randall H. Patterson, has announced his plans for retirement from the Mississippi House of Representatives at the conclusion of the 2023 Regular Session of the Mississippi Legislature, after 20 years of tirelessly working on behalf of the citizens of District 115; and

WHEREAS, a resident and native of Biloxi, Mississippi, Representative Patterson, who even as a young person was on the trajectory of greatness that would eventually lead to his representing District 115, graduated from Biloxi High School before attending Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC); and

WHEREAS, blessed with God-given talents, Representative Patterson played baseball at the Perkinston campus of the college and was vital in the team's winning the Mississippi Association of Junior Colleges Championship both years he played; and

WHEREAS, Representative Patterson, after graduating from MGCCC in 1968, furthered his education by earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, the renowned home of the Golden Eagles, in 1971, and later earned a double master's degree in physical education and school administration from William Carey University in 1979; and

WHEREAS, before being elected to District 115 by his fellow citizens, Representative Patterson worked alongside his father, A.H. "Lank" Patterson, at their family's mechanical contracting company until being elected in 2004; and

WHEREAS, upon his election to the House of Representatives, Randall H. Patterson became the distinguished Gentleman from Harrison and wasted no time requesting the legislation, amendments and reports that would help effectuate into law the ideologies and policy changes that his constituents along the Mississippi Gulf Coast had elected him to carry out, and notably, not long after coming to the House, he helped guide and ensure that his constituents received the aid that was needed post Hurricane Katrina; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure as a legislator, Representative Patterson has effectively served as Chairman of Investigate State Offices Committee, and Vice Chairman of the Ports, Harbors and Airports Committee, and he also served, throughout his prestigious tenure, as a member of the Enrolled Bills; Executive Contingent Fund; Constitution; Marine Resources; Oil, Gas and Other Minerals; Public Property; Tourism; Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks; Gaming; Universities and Colleges; Juvenile Justice; Banking and Financial Services and Ways and Means Committees; and

WHEREAS, not one to limit his community involvement to the Legislature, Representative Patterson, a contractor by profession, has always been active in District 115 and has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens, as evidenced by his service and affiliations as a member of the American Legislative Exchange Council, Biloxi Chamber of Commerce, Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce, Association of General Contractors of Mississippi, City of Biloxi Plumbing and Mechanical Board and the Biloxi Elks' Lodge #606 - all of which are a testament of his part of ensuring the Mississippi Gulf Coast continues to thrive; and

WHEREAS, the members of the House of Representatives will cherish the bond and common goals for the betterment of this great state shared with Representative Patterson over the course of the past 20 years, and his impeccable service was unparalleled in the Mississippi Legislature and to the constituents of District 115; and

WHEREAS, Representative Patterson has remained a phenomenal gentleman, grounded in his integrity, who seeks to improve the lives of others through positive example, hard work and the undeniable truths of the Word of God; and

WHEREAS, the service of Representative Patterson would be without honor but for the continued support, encouragement and love of his beautiful wife, Vickie, and their children, Grant and Randi, who have endured the daunting struggles that accompany the life of an elected official, and much credit is also due to his loved ones who sacrificed countless hours without him in order to allow him to fulfill his legislative obligations; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor the indelible legacy of remarkable service of our colleague and friend, Representative Randall H. Patterson, who fearlessly represented District 115, this body and the people of this state with honor and intrepid dignity:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the most honorable, distinguished Gentleman from Harrison, Representative Randall H. Patterson for his esteemed and laudable legislative career and public service, and express fondest respect and best wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors on the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast and beyond.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Representative Randall H. Patterson and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.