MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Rotenberry, Weathersby, Hudson

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING MR. RICHARD STANLEY BERRY FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO HIS COMMUNITY AND HIS MANY OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

WHEREAS, Mr. Richard Stanley Berry, born November 12, 1897, has made immeasurable contributions to the citizens of the City of Mendenhall, Simpson County and the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Berry attended Gwinville, Pinola, Shivers and Mendenhall Schools before graduating from Simpson County Agricultural High School; and

WHEREAS, after high school, Mr. Berry attended Mississippi College, where he received a degree in biology with a minor in physics and Latin; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Berry has served many schools and school districts in various roles throughout his long and distinguished career, including the Mars Hill Consolidated School in Amite County as a science teacher and superintendent from 1921 to 1925; the Goodwater School as the principal from 1925 to 1927; the Cooksville-Paulette High School in Noxubee County as the superintendent from 1927-1930; and the Mt. Zion School as a teacher from 1930 to 1932; and

WHEREAS, in 1945, Mr. Berry taught science at Mendenhall High School until 1948, when he was elected Simpson County Superintendent of Education; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Berry resumed teaching science, biology, chemistry and physics at Mendenhall High School from 1952 to 1965; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Berry served as Simpson County's first coordinator of the Federal Title One Program, and he served for 25 years as a member of the Advisory Board of Selective Service; and

WHEREAS, a loyal patriot, Mr. Berry served the United States in the Navy in 1918, serving at the Hospital Corps in Great Lakes, Illinois, and duty aboard the U.S.S. Flusser destroyer; and

WHEREAS, an active member of his community, Mr. Berry is a member of First Baptist Church in Mendenhall, where he has been elected as a deacon emeritus; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Berry was lovingly supported in all his endeavors by his wife of over 51 years, the late Estelle Fairly Hubbard; his children, Katherine, Kathleen, Mary, Charlotte and Billy, who is deceased; nine grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi to recognize and pay special tribute to such outstanding Mississippians as Mr. Berry, whose contributions have touched the lives of his students as well as his neighbors:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Mr. Richard Stanley Berry for his many noteworthy contributions to his community and extend to him our heartiest wishes for good health, peace, happiness and joy.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Richard Stanley Berry and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.