Senate Resolution 35

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE SERVICE OF MIKE BRYANT FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF CONTRIBUTION AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI AND CONGRATULATING HIM UPON HIS RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, Mike Bryant will retire as an employee of the State of Mississippi on June 30, 2004, after more than 25 years of committed and diligent services to the state and its citizens; and

WHEREAS, born on August 21, 1939, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Mike began his career with the state on June 9, 1980, with the Maintenance Division of Capitol Commission; and

WHEREAS, at the commencement of his employment, Mike was assigned to the Sillers Building, the Gartin Justice Building, the Old Capitol Building, the Archives and History Building and the Robert E. Lee Building before being assigned in September 1983, to the Governor's Mansion on a full-time basis, fulfilling the position of Facilities Manager for more than 13 years; and

WHEREAS, in 1996, Mike assumed new duties at the New Capitol as Building Manager, a position he has maintained until his date of retirement; and

WHEREAS, during his illustrious career with the State of Mississippi, Mike has served under the leadership of six governors, including Governors William Winter, Bill Allain, Ray Mabus, Kirk Fordice, Ronnie Musgrove and Haley Barbour; and

WHEREAS, Clerk of the House, Don Richardson, former Executive Director of General Services, describes Mike as "one of the most dedicated employees he has had the privilege of working with"; and

WHEREAS, with a total of 4,750 lights illuminating the New Capitol, Mike has changed every light at least once; and

WHEREAS, once having a staunch fear of heights, Mike overcame his fear, rising to the occasion, to hoist the State Flag of Mississippi on the House and Senate domes of the New Capitol, allowing them to fly proudly during each session of the Mississippi Legislature; and

WHEREAS, a devoted husband of 38 years, Mike is married to the former Betty Pope of Kosciusko, Mississippi, and together they have two children, Donald (Donnie) and Alison; and three grandchildren, Kristen, Cody and Tyler; and

WHEREAS, a faithfully devoted member of the Briar Hill Baptist Church of Florence, Mississippi, where he is a member of the adult choir; Mike, an accomplished songster, sang with the Gospel Messengers, a gospel quartet, from 1969 to 1996; and

WHEREAS, during the quartet's tenure, Mike and his fellow members recorded three albums and performed at numerous correctional facilities, serving as a source of spiritual encouragement and inspiration for those incarcerated; and

WHEREAS, Mike has gone above and beyond the call of duty in his efforts of assuring the proper operation of the facilities under his management, and has used his God-given talent to render assistance to those in need, in addition to providing maintenance services at his church; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize and commend such an outstanding state employee as Mike Bryant, whose services to the State of Mississippi and whose presence will be greatly missed at the New Capitol:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mike Bryant upon his retirement after 25 years of dedicated and exemplary service to the State of Mississippi, and we extend to him our heartiest wishes for success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Mike Bryant and be made available to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.