MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Ford

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MR. RICHARD BAXTER WILSON AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, Mr. Richard Baxter Wilson of Madison, Mississippi, departed this life on Monday, March 15, 1999, causing great loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wilson, a former president of Mississippi Power and Light, was a native of Yazoo City and graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1927; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wilson began his long and distinguished career with Mississippi Power and Light in 1926 in Cleveland before transferring to Jackson, where he served as president of the company from 1954 to 1969 and chairman of the board until his retirement in 1976; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his responsibilities with Mississippi Power and Light, Mr. Wilson served as chairman of the Jackson Airport Authority, the Jackson Planning Board, the State National Alliance of Businessmen and the Mississippi United States Savings Bond Committee, and as the national vice president of the American Red Cross; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wilson devoted much of his time and energy to community service, having generously served as president of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the Rotary Clubs of Jackson and Cleveland, the Andrew Jackson Council of Boy Scouts of America, the Southeastern Electric Exchange, the Beauvoir Foundation, the University of Mississippi Alumni Association and the Newcomer Society of North America; and

WHEREAS, in addition, Mr. Wilson actively served as a trustee for many successful organizations and companies, such as Deposit Guaranty National Bank, Bellhaven College, the University of Mississippi Alumni Association, the National Association of Electric Companies, the Edison Electric Institute, the Southeastern Electric Exchange, Mississippi Economic Council, Magna Corporation, Standard Life Insurance Company, the Mississippi Agricultural and Industrial Board and Southern Research Institute; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and countless contributions throughout the state, an endowed fellowship at the University of Mississippi was established in honor of Mr. Wilson; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wilson was the recipient of many honorable awards, including the First Federal Award presented for his distinguished service to the state; and

WHEREAS, a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Mr. Wilson served as a deacon for almost 50 years; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wilson is survived by his two children, Richard Baxter Wilson, Jr., and Miriam Weems, and two grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and pay special tribute to such outstanding Mississippians as Mr. Richard Baxter Wilson, a remarkable citizen who dedicated his life to the furthering development of this state and improving the quality of life for all Mississippians:

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. Richard Baxter Wilson 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. Richard Baxter Wilson and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.