Senate Concurrent Resolution 617

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE OF FORMER MISSISSIPPI REPRESENTATIVE J.O. SOUTHWARD, JR., OF TISHOMINGO, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE.

WHEREAS, former Mississippi State Representative and World War II veteran J.O. Southward, Jr., of Tishomingo, Mississippi, passed away on Friday, March 17, 2006; and

WHEREAS, Representative Southward was an Army veteran of World War II, and served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1952 to 1956; and

WHEREAS, he formerly served on the Board of Trustees of Northeast Mississippi Junior College, and was a former Board of Directors of Timber Hills. He was a Scottish Rite Mason, and was a member of Tishomingo Lodge #522 F&AM; and

WHEREAS, he was a former graduate Assistant to the Dean of Political Science and History at Mississippi State University, and was a member of the Woodmen of the World; and

WHEREAS, he also served as a Colonel under several Mississippi governors. He loved the history and people of the Town of Tishomingo; and

WHEREAS, he was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dulcie Southward. Survivors include his fiancée and best friend, Linda Hester of Iuka; six cousins, Peggy Page (Willis), Sis Bickerstaff, Mary McNatt and Fairless Southward, all of Tishomingo, Hal Southward of Saltillo and Joe Southward of Tunica; and numerous other cousins and friends:

WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of this former legislator and veteran whose dedication to public service is a matter of record:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life and distinguished public service of former Mississippi Representative J.O. Southward, Jr., of Tishomingo, Mississippi, and express to his surviving family and friends the sympathy of the Legislature on his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Representative Southward and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.