Senate Resolution 127

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING STAFF SERGEANT WILLIAM THURMAN EPPS, WORLD WAR II VETERAN FROM GOLDEN, MISSISSIPPI, UPON THE CELEBRATION OF HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY.

WHEREAS, on July 12, 1926, the United States of America had just celebrated its Sesquicentennial, the 150th anniversary of its founding, hosted in Philadelphia; President Calvin Coolidge was leading the country through a period of political unrest across the globe; Hollywood was still dominated by silent film stars; electricity was decades away from rural Mississippi; and mechanized farming remained a fledgling vision in a field of dreams; and

WHEREAS, however, on the same day on a farm in Mississippi, the attention of the Epps family was occupied with welcoming William Thurman Epps to the world; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant William Thurman Epps, the third born of seven children, is celebrating the most auspicious occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth on July 12, 2026, reflecting on a century's worth of life experiences - from the lessons he learned in his steady work on the family farm to his years of distinguished military service in the United States Army; and

WHEREAS, known to all as Thurman, Staff Sergeant Epps spent his early life balancing grammar school with his work on his family's farm, and he was raised on the fundamental values of resilience, patience and responsibility, dedicating his time entirely to the farm after completing the eighth grade; and

WHEREAS, in the midst of America's efforts fighting alongside the Allied Powers in World War II, Staff Sergeant Epps received his "Greetings" letter from the President of the United States when he turned 18. As a young farm boy who had never been outside of Tishomingo County, he was called to serve his country in the United States Army, and he entered into service at Camp Shelby in October of 1944, ready to defend his nation with patriotism and courage; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Epps served in Nuremberg and displayed extraordinary leadership throughout his time in the Army, rising quickly through the ranks to his ultimate station as Staff Sergeant. He was placed in charge of a platoon of men assigned to guard German prisoners, tasked with carrying German soldiers for trial and supervising the platoon while doing work details; and

WHEREAS, though he has remained remarkably humble about his service, stating he did not see "anything but enough," Staff Sergeant Epps's brave service was recognized with multiple medals, including the Army of Occupation Medal, World War II Victory Medal and European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Epps was honorably discharged from the Army in 1947, and after completing his service, he returned to Dennis, Mississippi, to tend to the family farm; and

WHEREAS, after selling the farm, Staff Sergeant Epps was employed at Blue Bell Manufacturing until the time of his retirement, and with the company of his beloved wife, Nita, he settled into the routine of his simple way of life at their home in Golden, Mississippi, enjoying his beautiful garden, raising chickens, and keeping both the property and the household in immaculate condition; and

WHEREAS, it has been nearly 10 years since Staff Sergeant Epps last had a garden, but even today, he still enjoys being outside in the fresh air and mowing his yard; and

WHEREAS, a man of hard work, integrity and independence, Staff Sergeant Epps has forged a legacy of quiet strength and determined responsibility over the last 100 years, and he has generously shared his wisdom after discovering the secret for a long, happy life - a daily helping of veggies, a well-tended schedule, and a body in motion; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we honor a member of America's Greatest Generation:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize World War II Veteran Staff Sergeant William Thurman Epps of Golden, Mississippi, on the auspicious and blessed occasion of his 100th birthday, and extend the best wishes of the Senate for his continued health, happiness and wellness in the years to come.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be presented to Staff Sergeant William Thurman Epps and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.