MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Dearing, Johnson (38th)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MR. WILLIE MINOR OF NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI, THE BLUFF CITY POST "MAN OF THE YEAR."

WHEREAS, Mr. Willie Minor of Natchez, Mississippi, has been selected by the Bluff City Post as the 2000 Man of the Year; and

WHEREAS, for all that he has done for his community, with a willing heart for those who ask him to come and sing for funerals, pastors' appreciations, anniversary programs, weddings, reaffirmation of vows and going into the area schools, the name Willie Minor is well known as a superb musical talent; and

WHEREAS, he has been a mechanic for many years and a car salesman at Jordan Auto Company for 43 years, retiring in the early part of this year, 2000; and

WHEREAS, Willie is the son of the late Rev. Earnest and Nancy B. Minor, and a 1954 graduate of Sadie V. Thompson High School (the first graduating class). He is also a graduate of Natchez College and attended the University of Southern Mississippi, Natchez Branch; and

WHEREAS, he has been married for many years to the former Eula B. Gilchrist and is the father of three children; the children are Willie Jr., Mark and Wanda; and

WHEREAS, Minor is a man of strong religious convictions. At his church, the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church located on Liberty Road, pastored by the Rev. Samuel Hines, he is very active as choir president and deacon where most of the congregation and family members fondly know him as "Buster"; and

WHEREAS, according to his wife Eula, it's hard to imagine how one man commits himself, first as a servant to God, and to countless other people and organizations in the community. He retired after 20 years in the Louisiana National Guard (1087th Transportation Company); served four years in the Army (two of those abroad in France), belongs to the L. A. Paige Lodge (32nd degree); Voices of Hope Choir, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Choir, All Male Choir, etc. He was chosen as Chairman of the 2003 Thompson Era Reunion which is a full-time job all in itself trying to steer a reunion of more than 2,000 people into Natchez and plan three full days of events for them; and

WHEREAS, our community and our state is very fortunate to have a man of Willie Minor's caliber, fortitude and religious convictions in our midst, and it is with great pride that we recognize this honor:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mr. Willie Minor of Natchez, Mississippi, upon his selection as the Bluff City Post "2000 Man of the Year," and we wish him and his family continued success in their civic, charitable and other endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be presented to Willie Minor and his family, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.