MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2024 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Kirby, Bryan, Blount, Branning, DeBar, Frazier, Hopson, McCaughn, Michel, Parker, Suber
A RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE SINCEREST SYMPATHY OF THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE TO THE SURVIVING FAMILY OF FORMER MISSISSIPPI REPRESENTATIVE, VIETNAM VETERAN AND RESPECTED LOBBYIST HONORABLE ROBERT LEE (BOB) EVERETT, III, AND COMMENDING HIS SERVICE TO HIS COMMUNITY AND HIS STATE.
WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of former State Representative and respected Lobbyist Honorable Robert Lee (Bob) Everett, III, (in his younger years, "Butch"), who passed away at age 79 on March 21, 2024; and
WHEREAS, known for his love of the ocean, ripe tomato sandwiches, and Blue Bell ice cream, Bob was a native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, but had resided in Brandon, Mississippi, since 1994. He graduated from Cooper High School in Vicksburg, attended Hinds Jr. College in Raymond, received his B.S. degree from The University of Southern Mississippi, and received his M.B.A. degree from Mississippi College; and
WHEREAS, Bob was a Vietnam War veteran who served as a hospital corpsman aboard the U.S.S. Sanctuary naval hospital ship. He later joined the U.S. Army Reserves as an enlisted member of the 412th Engineer Command in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and retired as a Major; and
WHEREAS, Bob became interested in politics and government. He gathered a group of his friends together, and they voted him in as an Election Commissioner in Warren County and then Chairman of the Warren County Republican Executive Committee; and
WHEREAS, Bob was elected to serve two terms (1980-1988) as a Representative in the Mississippi Legislature from Warren County; and
WHEREAS, after serving in state government, Bob became a contract lobbyist representing various clients before the Mississippi Legislature. In addition, he served as an interim Supervisor in Rankin County in 2005 and an interim Alderman in Brandon, Mississippi, in 2013; and
WHEREAS, Bob was an active member of St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Jackson, Mississippi, where he served as a licensed lay reader and in various other leadership roles over the years, and was a dedicated supporter of Canopy Children's Solutions; and
WHEREAS, Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lee Everett, Jr., and Betty Penley Everett Hearn. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Laurelie (Lollie) Martin Everett, and two daughters, Jill Everett and Emily Everett McLarty (Andrew). Bob is also survived by four grandchildren: Kelsi Thomas (Matthew), Caleb Owens (Lauren), Conner Owens, and Waverly McLarty; and one great-granddaughter, Rynlee Chambers. Additionally, he is survived by his younger sister, Sheila Franco (Sammy), and four nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Bob served as a leader and mentor. He consistently lectured on ethics, integrity, civility, courtesy and adherence to the Golden Rule. Bob's life honored his family, his community and this great state that he loved and served:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby extend the sincerest sympathy of the Mississippi Senate to the surviving family of former Mississippi Representative, Vietnam veteran and respected lobbyist Honorable Robert Lee (Bob) Everett, III, and commend his service to his community and his state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of former Representative Bob Everett, forwarded to the Vestry of St. Philip's Episcopal Church, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.