House Concurrent Resolution 29

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE OF DR. WALTER DECELL NEWSOM AND EXPRESSING OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, Dr. Walter Decell Newsom, a native of Wayne County, departed this life on August 20, 2003, causing a great loss to his family, friends and community; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Newsom, son of Louis Rowan and Annie Coral Gray Newsom, was born on March 31, 1917, in Hiwannee, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from Clara Agricultural High School in 1933, Dr. Newsom enlisted in the United States Navy on June 18, 1934, where he served on such ships as the U.S.S. Oklahoma, Wyoming, Ranger, Barney DD 149 and the Kingfisher and was honorably discharged with a rating of Quartermaster First Class; and

WHEREAS, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Navy assumed control of the Coast Guard and on April 15, 1942, Dr. Newsom enlisted in the Coast Guard and was commissioned Ensign in November; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from Advanced Officer Training School, Dr. Newsom was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade, serving as Executive Officer of the U.S.S. Gloucester-PF 22; and

WHEREAS, in addition, Dr. Newsom was Commanding Officer of several ships during the Pacific Conflict and was promoted to Lieutenant Senior Grade after that tour of duty; and

WHEREAS, on January 25, 1946, Dr. Newsom received an Honorable Discharge and was awarded The American Defense Ribbon, The American Theater Ribbon, The World War II Victory Medal, The Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon and The Good Conduct Medal for courageous and unselfish service in World War II; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from Northern Illinois College of Optometry Accelerated Program in Chicago, Dr. Newsom moved back to Waynesboro, Mississippi, where he began his 49-year practice of performing thousands of visual examinations; and

WHEREAS, having a father in the grocery business gave Dr. Newsom a special interest in self-service curb markets, which he invested in throughout Wayne County during the 1950s and 1960s; and

WHEREAS, in addition, Dr. Newsom was instrumental in bringing Malbis Bread and Borden's Wayne Maid Dairy Products into Wayne County; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Newsom was an outstanding member of his community, serving in various groups such as the Waynesboro First United Methodist Church, Waynesboro Chamber of Commerce, Waynesboro Country Club, Masons, Disabled Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion; and

WHEREAS, in 1995, Dr. Newsom was awarded a Certificate of Continuous Membership for 50 years of service by the American Legion Post #70 and in 1998, Dr. Newsom was awarded the Rotary Club's Continuous Membership Award as Waynesboro's first and only 50-year member and was named by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International a Paul Harris Fellow; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Newsom is survived by his lovely wife of more than 50 years, the former Hilda Elizabeth Minton; four children, David L. "Larry" Newsom and his wife, Martha; Anita L. Newsom Nail and her husband, Steve; Richard Lee Newsom and his wife, Renee'; and Karena L. Newsom Cawthon and her husband, Raad; ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and he was preceded in death by his daughter, Donna L. Newsom Everitt; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend outstanding Mississippians such as Dr. Newsom who devoted his life to faithfully serving his country in the Navy and subsequently improving the quality of life for so many citizens of Wayne County:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life and accomplishments of Dr. Walter Decell Newsom and express our deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Walter Decell Newsom's family and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.