House Resolution 1

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING MR. CLARENCE KING ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 101ST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION.

WHEREAS, Mr. Clarence King of Bassfield, Mississippi, born May 21, 1903, to Abner N. and Margaret Miller King in Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi, will celebrate his 101st birthday on May 21, 2004; and

WHEREAS, recalling having walked two miles to school daily at Santee School where he completed the eighth grade, Mr. King farmed a small cotton and cattle farm; and

WHEREAS, having never driven before, Mr. King purchased his first car in 1924 for $300.00 and managed to drive it home from Collins, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, a true peoples' person, Mr. King often reflected upon his youthful days, declaring to his grandchildren that the automobile is the greatest invention of his lifetime, a mechanism that made the world smaller; and

WHEREAS, Mr. King married Lavenia Napier on December 27, 1931, and together they lived as one in love and in happiness, sharing each others triumphs and sorrows; and

WHEREAS, from 1933 to 1945, Mr. King gained the title "the ice man" by delivering ice to the rural areas around Bassfield and Sumrall; and

WHEREAS, after World War II, Mr. King ended his career as "the ice man," and began carpentry work along with his farming to provide for his family; and

WHEREAS, blessed with three children, Mr. King has enjoyed the support, love and adoration of his family and friends, including daughters, Waudena King Dyess and Bobbie King Boleware; son, Aubrey C. King; eight grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize such outstanding Mississippians as Mr. King, whose longevity is filled with the treasures of wisdom and history and attributable to a healthy living and a fervent faith and belief in God:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Mr. Clarence King on the occasion of his 101st birthday celebration and extend our heartiest wishes for many more years of good health, peace and happiness, and an overflowing abundance of joy and love.

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