Senate Resolution 10

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING JUNE 4, 2005, AS "COACH JOHN DICKERSON DAY" IN COLUMBUS, MISSISSIPPI, AND COMMENDING HIM FOR HIS HISTORIC COACHING CAREER.

WHEREAS, John W. Dickerson, Jr., was born in Columbus, Mississippi, on March 9, 1928, to the late Osie M. Jones Dickerson and John W. Dickerson, Sr., growing up there as a member of St. James United Methodist Church. He attended Union Elementary School, and after graduating from Union Academy High School, he attended Clark College and Jackson State University, later earning a B.S. Degree at Mississippi Industrial College. He is married to Emmittean Williams Dickerson and they have three daughters, Lupino, Octavia and Dawn; two granddaughters, Kirsten and Latina; John's godsons, Reverend David Henderson and Charles Pickett, Jr.; and "Luckie" and "Duckie," the family dogs; and

WHEREAS, even as a very small child, there could be no doubt of his love of sports, particularly football, as he could always be found in any place allowing him running space and a space to huddle. Later, though not old enough, he convinced the coach to allow him on the football team, thus the beginning of a lifelong love for "the game" and sports; and

WHEREAS, to list just a few of Coach Dickerson's achievements: at Union Academy he lettered three years in football, earned three letters in baseball, lettered in baseball and football at Clark and Jackson State, lettered in baseball and football, attended Mississippi Industrial College, where he was a player and coach lettering in baseball and football; and

WHEREAS, John became Head Football and Baseball Coach at Hunt High School, led his teams to 27 victories with 2 defeats and 1 tie in football, his baseball teams won 2 out of 3 Little Six Conference Championships, then he moved to Amory and became Head Coach for five years, producing a 22-game winning streak, giving West Amory 3 out of 5 championships. He also accumulated a great baseball record. From there his talent and hard work took him to Mississippi Valley College as Assistant Coach, Head Baseball Coach and driving instructor for three years; he served as Assistant Coach at Lee High School, Columbus, Mississippi, in 1970 and was undefeated. After retiring, he went into private business and has been very successful; and

WHEREAS, on behalf of the Mayor and City Council, June 4, 2005, has been proclaimed as "Coach John Dickerson Day" in Columbus in appreciation for all he has given to his own community as well as the other places he served and the many lives of the young people he touched; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this individual who has taught integrity to his players through sports, and brought honor to his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize June 4, 2005, as "Coach John Dickerson Day" in Columbus, Mississippi, and commend this legendary coach whose outstanding career is a matter of record, and extend to him and his family the best wishes of the Senate on this occasion.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to Coach John Dickerson and the Mayor of Columbus, Mississippi, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.