House Concurrent Resolution 85

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING MR. CHARLES MAYO FOR HIS SERVICE TO HIS FELLOWMAN, DEFENSE OF OUR COUNTRY AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO IMPROVE EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS THROUGHOUT MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Mr. Charles Mayo has persevered through war, was disciplined by it, went on to create a useful life and has contributed to the America we live in today as an education professional who has dedicated many years of service to Mississippi's children; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Mayo hails from a generation that Tom Brokaw's famous book refers to as "The Greatest Generation"; and

WHEREAS, a child of the South, Mr. Mayo graduated from Puckett High School in 1937 and went on to attend Jones Junior College for two years before attending and graduating from Mississippi State University in 1941 with an education degree in agriculture; and

WHEREAS, driven by a desire to serve and protect his fellowman, Mr. Mayo began basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, in June 1941 and continued his training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and Camp Gordon in Augusta, Georgia; and

WHEREAS, he entered the European Theatre with the 10th Armored Division and served as Operations Sergeant in the Armored Artillery Battalion; and

WHEREAS, during his tour of duty, he was awarded three battle stars which included the Battle of the Buldge in Belgium and Luxembourgh and the Bronze Star for meritorious service; and

WHEREAS, after being honorably discharged in 1945, his life reached new heights when he began his education career and service to students in Polkville, Mississippi, and in December 1945, married Odelle Searcy; and

WHEREAS, after teaching in Polkville, he went on to teach in Taylorsville and Southwest Junior College in Summit; and

WHEREAS, his career in education continued to excel in 1951, when he was promoted to principal in Morton, after teaching agriculture for only two years in the city; and

WHEREAS, always motivated to reach a higher level of academia, Mr. Mayo completed his master of education degree from Mississippi State University which enabled him to be promoted as an administrator in Mendenhall from 1956 to 1966, in Crystal Springs from 1966 to 1972 and in Raleigh from 1972 to 1978; and

WHEREAS, because of his dedicated service to students, he has been awarded various honors and recognitions for his contributions to the improvement of education; and

WHEREAS, he has been supported in his endeavors by his wife, Odelle; two daughters, Charley Sue and Janet; and three grandchildren, Leslie and Lindsey Fletcher, and Tineka Sills; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend the outstanding contributions of our honored veterans who have become advocates for the education of our children:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend Mr. Charles Mayo for his service to his fellowman, defense of our country and contributions to improve education for students throughout Mississippi.

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