MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2005 3rd Extraordinary Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Reynolds, Whittington, Bailey, Barnett, McCoy, Hines, Akins, Aldridge, Arinder, Baker (74th), Baker (8th), Banks, Beckett, Bentz, Blackmon, Bondurant, Bounds, Broomfield, Brown, Buck, Burnett, Calhoun, Capps, Carlton, Chism, Clark, Clarke, Coleman (29th), Coleman (65th), Compretta, Cummings, Davis, Dedeaux, Denny, Dickson, Eaton, Ellington, Ellis, Espy, Evans, Fillingane, Flaggs, Fleming, Formby, Franks, Fredericks, Frierson, Gadd, Gibbs, Gregory, Guice, Gunn, Hamilton (109th), Hamilton (6th), Harrison, Holland, Holloway, Horne, Howell, Huddleston, Hudson, Ishee, Janus, Jennings, Johnson, Lott, Malone, Markham, Martinson, Masterson, Mayhall, Mayo, McBride, Middleton, Miles, Mims, Moak, Montgomery, Moore, Morris, Moss, Myers, Nicholson, Parker, Patterson, Peranich, Perkins, Read, Reed, Reeves, Robinson (63rd), Robinson (84th), Rogers (14th), Rogers (61st), Rotenberry, Scott, Shows, Simpson, Smith (27th), Smith (39th), Smith (59th), Snowden, Staples, Stevens, Straughter, Stringer, Sullivan, Taylor, Thomas, Turner, Upshaw, Vince, Walley, Ward, Warren, Watson, Weathersby, Wells-Smith, Woods, Young, Zuber
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE OF NOVELIST, HISTORIAN AND MISSISSIPPIAN, SHELBY FOOTE, AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.
WHEREAS, novelist, historian and Mississippi native, Shelby Foote, whose Southern storyteller's touch inspired millions to read his multi-volume work on the Civil War, departed this earthly life on Monday, June 27, 2005, to enter into eternal rest with his heavenly father, causing great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Foote, a longtime Memphis resident, wrote six novels but is best remembered for his three-volume, 3,000-page history of the Civil War and for his appearance on the PBS series, "The Civil War"; and
WHEREAS, born November 7, 1916, in Greenville, Mississippi, Foote attended the University of North Carolina for two years and served in World War II as an Army captain of artillery, and upon being discharged from the Army, joined the Marines; and
WHEREAS, early in his career, Foote took up the habit of writing by hand with an old-fashioned dipped pen, and he continued that practice throughout his life, keeping bound volumes of his manuscripts on a bookshelf in a homey bedroom-study overlooking a small garden at his Memphis residence; and
WHEREAS, the author of such novels as "Tournament," "Follow Me Down," "Love in a Dry Season," "Shiloh," "Jordan County" and "September, September," Foote's "The Civil War: A Narrative" ranked as No. 15 on the Modern Library's list of the century's 100 best English-language works of nonfiction in 1999; and
WHEREAS, an epitome of literary success, Foote garnered rave reviews from literary critics and the praise of fellow novelists and readers alike for his widely acclaimed novels and manuscripts; and
WHEREAS, the life and legacy of Mr. Foote will continue to thrive in the hearts and fond memories of his followers, supporters, colleagues and his loved ones, including wife of 49 years, Gwyn Foote; children, Margaret Shelby and Huger Lee; and a host of other relatives and friends; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and pay tribute to such a monumental literary icon and Mississippi native as Mr. Foote, whose life and works brought great honor and pride to himself and his home state:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life of novelist, historian and native Mississippian, Shelby Foote, and express 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. Shelby Foote and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.