House Resolution 5

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF HARRY R. GILLESPIE AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, Harry R. Gillespie, born June 27, 1905, in Palestine, Texas, departed this earthly life to enter into eternal rest with his heavenly father, causing great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, a dairy farmer who moved to Vicksburg, Mississippi, in 1954, where he remained for 51 years, Mr. Gillespie, who still considered himself a Texan (and a Mississippian of course), became manager of Valley Mills; and

WHEREAS, aspiring to become a professional opera singer, Mr. Gillespie decided to make a living as a dairy farmer after an unfortunate house fire destroyed his music and tuxedo; and

WHEREAS, following his love of theater, Mr. Gillespie became active in Vicksburg Little Theater, starred in "Gold in the Hills", performing for many years on the Sprague and later served as president of Little Theater and manager of Cedar Grove under the operation of Little Theater; and

WHEREAS, having married his first wife, Madge Hanson, at 19 years of age, they reared three children, Hal, Susan and John; eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren together before her passing after 67 year of marriage; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Gillespie remarried in 1993 to Edna Earle Whitaker, was active in Vicksburg Rotary, served as President and was Chairman of Rotary Information until 1996; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the life of such a visible and hardworking individual as Mr. Gillespie, whose life touched many in a significant manner:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life of Harry R. Gillespie and express our deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

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