House Resolution 71

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF ARTHUR MICHAEL GILL, AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, Arthur Michael Gill departed this earthly life on Monday, March 29, 2004, causing great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, an upstanding citizen of the Biloxi, Mississippi, community, Mr. Gill was a well-known athlete in the community, noted for his membership on the 1962 undefeated Biloxi High School Championship Team, recipient of the 1962 Shrimp Bowl Outstanding Lineman Trophy and longstanding Biloxi High School record holder for shot put; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from high school, Mr. Gill enrolled at the University of Southern Mississippi where he played football on the collegiate level for four years as a defensive tackle and served as defensive captain his senior year; and

WHEREAS, at the close of his collegiate career, he was drafted by the Green Bay Packers, but instead elected to play in the Canadian League for the Hamilton Tiger Cats; and

WHEREAS, after his professional career, Mr. Gill entered the teaching profession as a coach before gaining employment with the United States Army as a Recreational Specialist; and

WHEREAS, working his way through the ranks of civil service, by the time of his retirement in 1993, he had obtained the status of General Manager of Recreation and Other Services, serving at various military installations, including Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Alton, Illinois; Bamburg, Germany; Iwakuni, Japan; and South Korea; and

WHEREAS, after his retirement from federal service, Mr. Gill worked for the Biloxi Port Commission, Harrison County, and more recently, for the Mississippi Department of Transportation; and

WHEREAS, though he has departed this earthly life, his memory will forever be cherished by his loved ones, including his wife, Pamela, three daughters, two grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize the lives of such outstanding Mississippians as Mr. Gill, who was a devout and upstanding man:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life and accomplishments of Mr. Arthur Michael Gill and express deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to his wife, Mrs. Pamela Gill, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.