Senate Resolution 39

A RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE SINCEREST CONGRATULATIONS OF THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE TO MR. RURAL AMERICA "DEE DOTSON" OF GREENSBORO, MISSISSIPPI, ON THE MEMORABLE OCCASION OF HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION.

WHEREAS, we join the family and friends of Dee Dotson of Greensboro, Mississippi, in offering our sincerest congratulations in recognition of his 100th birthday, a major event in the life of this respected Mississippi citizen; and

WHEREAS, you can describe Dee Dotson as "Mr. Rural America." He has lived 100 wonderful years by managing God's natural resources and supplying families with locally grown vegetables throughout Central Mississippi. Mr. Dotson is loved by everyone because of his unique personality and radiant smile. Dee's humble beginnings started five years after the Spanish Flu Pandemic in 1923 on the Dotson Family Farm, located in Choctaw County, Mississippi. Dee learned the art of rural work under the tutelage of his parents, grandparents, and the community's leadership. At the tender age of six years old, he learned how to plow with a mule, under the watchful eyes of his father. Learning the art of plowing provided a gateway of other chores to be performed on the farm; and

WHEREAS, Dee's life encompasses 17 U.S. Presidents, the Wall Street Crash in 1929, the 1930's Dust Bowl, World War II, Jackie Robinson and the integration of Pro-baseball, the Korean War, the Civil Rights Movement, the assassination of Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., America's Bicentennial, the first African American President, and many other historical events. Through all the past events above and his personal circumstances, Mr. Dotson maintained his love for his family and growing vegetables, to help develop healthy families; and

WHEREAS, Willie Dotson, the youngest son of Dee Dotson indicates that "On an average day, my Pops spends upward of 10 hours working in the garden and around the family farm at 97. Pops is always on the move and his life centers around working to provide for his family and the community." His family clearly appreciates his enthusiasm for creating a fruitful legacy for the next generation; and

WHEREAS, Dee's weekly itinerary is filled with community activities, including attending church. Dee serves as an usher and sings in the male chorus at Union Chapel M.B. Church in Greensboro, Mississippi. Bennie Edwards, Chairman of the Deacon Board says, "We are extremely fortunate to have Mr. Dee Dotson as a member of our church. He is a shining star for us to emulate." Dee is also a founding member of the Winston County Self Help Cooperative (1985); and

WHEREAS, we convey appreciation for an exceptional individual who inspires others to excel and whose leadership skills are leading America through these dark days of uncertainty:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby extend the sincerest congratulations of the Mississippi Senate to Mr. Rural America "Dee Dotson" of Greensboro, Mississippi, on the memorable occasion of his 100th Birthday Celebration.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Dee Dotson and his family in honor of his birthday celebration and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.