MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Ketchings

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MR. WILLIAM T. "BILLY" FERRELL, SR., AND EXPRESSING OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, William T. "Billy" Ferrell, Sr., departed this life on Sunday, February 28, 1999, causing a great loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ferrell, the son of William Albert and Ella Louise French Ferrell, Jr., was born on October 23, 1923, in Natchez, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, a lifelong resident of Natchez and Adams County, Mississippi, Mr. Ferrell attended the parochial and public schools of Natchez; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ferrell, a United States Army veteran, served for three years during World War II and received three Bronze Stars; and

WHEREAS, after working for the Natchez Post Office for seven years, Mr. Ferrell resigned to enter law enforcement as a deputy sheriff; and

WHEREAS, in 1959, Mr. Ferrell was first elected Sheriff of Adams County, serving from 1960 to 1964 and was reelected in 1967, serving until his retirement on January 4, 1988; and

WHEREAS, during his long and distinguished career as sheriff, Mr. Ferrell served as President of the Mississippi State Sheriffs Association for three terms in 1962, 1968 and 1971; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ferrell also was a member of the Herbert J. Remondet Post #4 of the American Legion for 51 years and a charter member of the Santa Claus Committee, having served as "Santa" in 1992; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ferrell is survived by his lovely wife Hazel Hampton Ferrell; two children, William T. "Tommy" Ferrell and Sherry Ferrell Bernhard; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and pay special tribute to such outstanding Mississippians as Mr. William T. "Billy" Ferrell, Sr., who made a remarkable difference in the lives of those who knew him:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life and accomplishments of Mr. William T. "Billy" Ferrell and express our deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. William T. "Billy" Ferrell and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.