Senate Resolution 2

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MR. CLARENCE KING OF JEFFERSON DAVIS COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS 101ST BIRTHDAY.

WHEREAS, Clarence King was born to Abner N. and Margaret (Maggie) Miller King in Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi, on May 21, 1903, one of 8 children; and

WHEREAS, Mr. King walked 2 miles each day to Santee School and completed the 8th grade; and

WHEREAS, he farmed a small cotton and cattle farm, and purchased his first car in 1924 for $300.00. He had never driven before he bought his car, but he managed to drive it home from Collins, Mississippi. He tells his grandchildren the automobile is the greatest invention in his lifetime. He said it made the world smaller; and

WHEREAS, he married Lavenia Napier on December 27, 1931, and they have 3 children: Waudena King Dyess, Aubrey C. King and Bobbie King Boleware; 8 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, from 1933 until 1945, he delivered ice to the rural area around Bassfield and Sumrall, Mississippi. He became known as the "ice man"; and

WHEREAS, after World War II, refrigeration ended his career of delivering ice. He then began work as a carpenter, along with his work as a farmer; and

WHEREAS, this family icon has witnessed many historic events during his lifetime, including the invention of the automobile by Henry Ford, the Wright Brothers' first airplane flight and man's first walk on the moon; and

WHEREAS, it is with pride that we recognize such outstanding Mississippians as Mr. Clarence King, whose longevity is filled with treasures of wisdom and history and attributable to healthy living, hard work, respect for his fellowman and strong religious convictions:

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

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Mr. King and his family and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.