MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Scoper, Gordon, Thames, Kirby, White (29th), Minor, Johnson (19th), Posey, Canon, Burton, Bryan, Hamilton, Stogner, Little, Chaney, Dearing, Smith, Frazier

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE OF FORMER STATE SENATOR AND REPRESENTATIVE KENNETH O. WILLIAMS OF CLARKSDALE, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE ON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, Kenneth Ogden Williams, former State Senator and member of the House of Representatives, has passed away at the age of 76; and

WHEREAS, Senator Williams was a native of Clarksdale and a graduate of Bobo High School; he served as a Sergeant in the Army during World War II and received a political science degree from Vanderbilt University in 1949; and

WHEREAS, he served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1960-1983 where he served a term as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, and in the Mississippi State Senate from 1988-1992 where he was Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee; and

WHEREAS, he served on many committees in both houses and helped spearhead the renovation and restoration of the New State Capitol Building from 1988-1992 and the state's acquisition of the Old Central High School Building to serve as the temporary State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, he served as Chairman of the Mississippi Civil War Battlefield Commission, was a member of the 11th Mississippi Memorial Association that coordinated the construction of a monument to the 11th Mississippi Regiment in Gettysburg National Military Park; and

WHEREAS, he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, the Delta Council, the Mississippi Farm Bureau, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars; and

WHEREAS, his survivors include his wife, Frances; his daughter, Frances Stewart; a sister, Ann Peacock; and two grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, it is with great sadness that we note the passing of a true gentleman, whose interest in Mississippi history and culture brought much vitality to the Mississippi Legislature, and who brought effective representation and honor to his community, county and district:

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 former Senator and Representative Kenneth O. Williams of Clarksdale, Mississippi, and express the sympathy of the Legislature on his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Senator Williams at the former Senators Annual Reunion and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.