House Resolution 34

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING LEWIS JAMES SLAY FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE UPON HIS RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, Lewis James Slay, lifelong resident of Greenville, Mississippi, and son of the late John and Bessie Slay, will officially retire from the United States Probation Services after 27 years of dedicated service; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Slay, received his formal and secondary education in the Washington County School System, where, after graduating, he began his higher education at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM); and

WHEREAS, his matriculation at USM resulted in his receiving a bachelor of arts degree in political science - history, and ultimately a master of arts degree in criminal justice; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Slay began his employment with the United States Probation Services in 1977, and throughout his tenure of service he has managed three divisional offices, worked on the Operations Management/Fiscal Team, served as District Training Coordinator, supervised the District Training Program and he currently serves as the Senior District Supervising Officer for the Northern District of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, he has been a valuable asset in and around Greenville and throughout Washington County, Mississippi, always being a Good Samaritan by lending a helping hand to those in need and serving as a role model and mentor for many throughout the community; and

WHEREAS, a man of stature and highly esteemed, Mr. Slay, who united in holy matrimony to the former Dinah M. Hammond on June 1, 1975, honors the tradition and sacredness of family as evidenced by the time he spent coaching his children's soccer teams; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Slay's services have not been limited only to his employment, he has many community, civic and professional involvements to which he devotes much of his time and efforts, including: the Washington County Boys and Girls Club, where he held the positions of President and Vice President and member of the Board of Directors; St. Joseph Catholic School Board of Education; Catholic Diocese of Mississippi Board of Education; Winterville Mounds Fire Department Board of Directors; Juvenile Crime Enforcement Coalition Board of Directors; USM Alumni Association, to which he is a Life Member; Federal Probation Officer Association; Mississippi Association of Professionals in Corrections; and Mississippi Association of Coaches; and

WHEREAS, for his diligent and meritorious services, he has been honored to receive several notable awards, including "Man of the Year" by the University of Southern Mississippi Criminal Justice Association, "Man of the Year" by 100 Black Men of the Delta, Inc., Greenville Chapter, Liberty Bell Award presented by the Washington County Bar Association and "Point of Pride" by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where he is an active participant in the Men's Club and lecturer, Mr. Slay has garnered the love, support and respect of his family: wife, Dinah; and daughters, Johndrea "Tudi," Lindsey, LaToyia and Janá; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence in such outstanding individuals as Mr. Slay, whose service, dedication and commitment to the State of Mississippi and the entire United States is truly monumental and sets the benchmark for superiority and distinction:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mr. Lewis James Slay upon his retirement and extend out heartiest wishes for good health, peace, happiness and success in all his future endeavors.

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