MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Hamilton, Stogner, Gordon, Little, Smith, Chaney, Burton

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE OF STATE ENTOMOLOGIST ROBERT MCCARTY OF STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE ON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, Robert McCarty, veteran State Entomologist and Director of the Bureau of Plant Industry for the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, passed away on October 28, 2000; and

WHEREAS, Mr. McCarty was a native of Clark County and was educated in the Enterprise public schools; he received his Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in Entomology from Mississippi State University; and

WHEREAS, he began his agricultural career as a Pest Management Consultant in DeSoto County and later assumed the position as Assistant County Extension Agent for Sharkey and Issaquena Counties; in 1967, he accepted a position with the State Plant Board as a District Entomologist; during his tenure with the board, which was renamed the Bureau of Plant Industry, he served as Deputy Director in 1985 and Director in 1993; he served under two State Agriculture Commissioners, the late Jim Buck Ross and the present Commissioner, Lester Spell, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi has lost a fine man in Robert McCarty; he was committed in every way to doing an exemplary job for everyone associated with agriculture; and

WHEREAS, he was active in many professional agricultural organizations and was the recipient of numerous awards for merit and outstanding service, including the 1986 Merit Award for Service from the Mississippi Entomological Association, the 1998 Distinguished Service Award from the Catfish Farmers of America and Catfish Farmers of Mississippi, and the 1998 Distinguished Service Award from the Mississippi Entomological Association; he was a member of the First Baptist Church of Starkville; and

WHEREAS, he was a man who could be depended on in every way; he was a wonderful father, and he took care of things, both at work and at home; he was an extremely dedicated, loyal and hard-working employee for the State of Mississippi; he loved his work and it showed he was a role model and a leader for many people; he was a constant and steady man who led by example; he was a mentor; and he will be missed; and

WHEREAS, it is with much sadness that we note the passing of this dedicated public servant who has served as a role model and brought honor to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life of State Entomologist Robert McCarty of Starkville, Mississippi, and express the sympathy of the Legislature to his wife, Frances, son, Jack McCarty, and daughter, Robin Brown, upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Robert McCarty and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.