House Resolution 62

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING BOB BLACK FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO SMITH COUNTY.

WHEREAS, Mr. Bob Black, an exceptional model of citizenship and humanitarianism, has made many outstanding contributions to the citizens of Smith County, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Black, the son of Anselem and Helen Black, was born on September 23, 1924, in Jones County, Mississippi, and attended the public schools of Jones County; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from Sandersville High School in 1943, Mr. Black registered with the local draft board, enlisting himself in the United States Navy; and

WHEREAS, after serving one year with the U.S. Navy in Europe, where he witnessed the Normandy Invasion, Mr. Black returned to the mainland, United States, and re-enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps; and

WHEREAS, after completing boot camp, Mr. Black was stationed on active duty in Hawaii, before being deployed with other regimental members to the Battle of Iwo Jima, where he witnessed the two historic raisings of the United States flag; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Black, during his military service, performed operational tasks at Hiroshima and Nagasaki following the bombing attacks and specialized in medical care throughout his years of service during World War II; and

WHEREAS, upon returning to life as a civilian, Mr. Black enrolled and later graduated from Mississippi State University with a bachelor of science degree in agriculture education; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Black united in holy matrimony with the former Peggy Huddleston on December 16, 1950, and to their union three children, Janice, Ellen and Robbie were born; and

WHEREAS, having accepted a temporary position at Drew, Mississippi, vacated by a teacher serving the United States in the Korean conflict, Mr. Black later accepted a permanent position at Taylorsville High School in 1954 as a vocational agriculture instructor; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Black loyally served as an instructor of vocational agriculture and advisor to the Taylorsville High School Future Farmers of America Chapter from 1954 until his retirement in 1991; and

WHEREAS, for his exhibition of diligence in the field of vocational agriculture education, Mr. Black was inducted into the Mississippi Vocational Agriculture Teachers Hall of Fame after his retirement; and

WHEREAS, a loyal member of the Taylorsville Lions Club, Mr. Black, also a faithful member of the Taylorsville First Baptist Church, served as Youth Sunday School Teacher for many years and has greatly influenced the moral and spiritual growth of the church's youth; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Black continues to serve his community and fellowman daily, assisting citizens with a variety of services, from general household maintenance to yard and garden landscaping, or performing any other tasks when called upon; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi to recognize and pay special tribute to remarkable citizens such as Mr. Bob Black who continues to provide outstanding educational lessons, outside as well as inside the educational sector, to the many citizens of Smith County:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Mr. Bob Black for his exceptional contributions and dedicated service to this nation, the State of Mississippi and its citizens and extend to him our heartiest wishes for many more years of good health, peace, happiness and success in all his future endeavors.

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