Senate Resolution 40

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE OF LEGENDARY COACH RALPH WADE BRUCE OF SHANNON, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE SENATE.

WHEREAS, legendary high school basketball Coach Ralph Wade Bruce of Shannon, Mississippi, passed away on March 3, 2003; and

WHEREAS, he was born April 14, 1946, in Lee County, Mississippi, to Mavis Wood and Lamar Bruce. He was an outstanding athlete at Saltillo High School, graduating in 1965. He played basketball and baseball at Itawamba Community College and played basketball at Mississippi College, graduating in 1969. He received his Master's Degree from Mississippi State University; and

WHEREAS, his working career began at Mooreville High School in 1969-1970. From 1970-1993, he taught and coached baseball and boys and girls basketball at Shannon High School; and

WHEREAS, he guided the girls basketball team to a Class A State Championship in 1974 and was the first coach to lead the Shannon boys basketball team to the State Tournament in Jackson. He won Tombigbee Conference Championships in all three sports; and

WHEREAS, he retired in 1993 and was employed at Leggett & Platt at the time of his death; and

WHEREAS, he was an Eagle Scout and an avid outdoorsman and conservationist. A legend in his own time, he enjoyed many close friendships and will be greatly missed; and

WHEREAS, survivors include his wife of 27 years, Nancy Hamilton Bruce, and four children, Leslie, Jacob, Casey and John, all of Shannon, and one grandson, Andrew Glenn Monaghan; and

WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of this legendary coach who has brought joy and honor to his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life of Coach Ralph Wade Bruce of Shannon, Mississippi, and express the sympathy of the Senate on his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Mr. Ralph Wade Bruce and be made available to the Tupelo Daily Journal and the Capitol Press Corps.