Senate Resolution 34

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE OF LEE R. KERLEY AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE SENATE TO HIS FAMILY.

WHEREAS, Lee R. Kerley departed this life on Sunday, November 3, 2002, in Biloxi, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Lee R. Kerley was a native of Tennessee and a resident of Biloxi for the past 33 years; and

WHEREAS, he retired from the United States Air Force as a Master Sergeant after more than 20 years of service to his country; and

WHEREAS, Lee R. Kerley served as Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast and guided those clubs to national prominence; and

WHEREAS, after 20 years of Lee R. Kerley's leadership and stewardship, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast grew from a struggling organization with a $50,000.00 annual budget to an organization with a budget of $1.5 Million improving the lives of countless children; and

WHEREAS, his dedicated hard work was honored by the Boys & Girls Clubs with the following awards: Association of Boys & Girls Clubs Professional Association's Southeast "Administrator of the Year" in 1998; Boys & Girls Clubs of America Southeast Region "Robert M. Sykes Award" for professional excellence in 2000; Boys & Girls of America National "Executive of the Year" in 2000; Association of Boys & Girls Clubs Professional Association's "Executive of the Year" in 2001; and Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Service to Youth for 20 Years of Devoted Service; and

WHEREAS, the lives of thousands of children have been touched by the untiring service of Lee R. Kerley; and

WHEREAS, Lee R. Kerley is survived by his wife, Mary Kerley; daughter, Carrie White; son, Glen Kerley; mother, Nadine Kerley; brothers, Glenn Kerley and Billy Kerley; and three grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Lee R. Kerley leaves a legacy of committed and dedicated service to improving the lives of children through the Boys & Girls Clubs of America:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE FOR THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life of Lee R. Kerley and express the sympathy of the Senate to his family.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the family of Lee R. Kerley.