Senate Concurrent Resolution 520

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE OF FORMER STATE SENATOR THOMAS ARNIE WATSON OF NORTH CARROLLTON, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE ON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, former State Senator Thomas Arnie Watson, 93, of North Carrolton, Mississippi, passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2003; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Watson was a retired former State Senator and Carroll County Tax Collector. He was born in Carroll County to the late William Edward and Mittie Steele Watson; and

WHEREAS, Watson was a truly gifted individual - a politician, teacher, farmer, soldier, friend and lifelong church-goer; and

WHEREAS, Watson, a Carroll County native, was a graduate of Valley High School, where he also was a teacher for several years. He was a graduate of Holmes Junior College and attended the University of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the World War II veteran served two terms as a State Senator from Carroll County. He also served two terms as County Tax Collector; and

WHEREAS, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Bervil Elder Watson; two sisters, Eurdise Watson Smith and Norene Watson Organ; and a brother, Jerome Watson, all of Carroll County. He is survived by one sister, Iona Watson Lott of Pascagoula; one brother, Ferguson "Bullie" Watson of Bartlett, Tennessee; three nephews, Trent Lott of Pascagoula, Tom Watson of Warrenton, Virginia, and Jim Watson of Nashville, Tennessee; and two nieces, Frances Hodges of Carrollton and Cynthia Vlasic of Lake Charles, Louisiana; and

WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of this dedicated Christian man who brought honor to his community and 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 former State Senator and Carroll County Tax Collector Thomas Arnie Watson of North Carrollton, Mississippi, and express the sympathy of the Legislature to his family on his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Senator Watson's surviving family and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.