MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2007 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Gollott, Hewes, Burton, Butler, Chassaniol, Clarke, Dawkins, Dearing, Frazier, Hyde-Smith, Jackson (15th), Jackson (32nd), King
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND CIVIC CONTRIBUTIONS OF RESPECTED BILOXI BUSINESSMAN EMILE L. "JUNIE" DESPORTE III.
WHEREAS, Mr. Emile L. "Junie" Desporte III, a guiding force in one of the most prominent seafood families in Biloxi, Mississippi, passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2007, at the age of 59; and
WHEREAS, Junie will be remembered by many as a savvy businessman who helped transform a small family retail seafood outlet into a multifaceted operation that proudly served generations of Biloxians and the area's many restaurants and visitors; and
WHEREAS, his knowledge of the industry and his confidence in its expansion into legalized gaming helped Desporte & Sons Seafood become a leading factor in the city's reestablishment as a major tourism destination; and
WHEREAS, to his family, Junie will forever be remembered as a pillar of strength and happiness. His love for life was a constant source of encouragement and joy to the family he kept so close to him. Never was his commitment to family more than in his last few years as he courageously battled to extend his life against a debilitating disease. His concern, as always, was not for himself, but for his family; and
WHEREAS, Junie was born June 3, 1947. He grew up in Biloxi and had considerable ability in various sports. His future, however, was in the family seafood business, which has been a vital part of Biloxi's history for more than 100 years; and
WHEREAS, family and business always came first, followed closely by his dedication to the Catholic Church, Our Lady of Fatima, his home parish. Of course, enjoying life was a major commitment, and chief among Junie's hobbies was the game of golf, which he pursued with passion; and
WHEREAS, as a businessman, he was playful with customers, but he always made certain they were happy with the service and product they received; and
WHEREAS, his civic contributions were many. He was a businessman whose heart was often as big as his ever-present cigar. He supported hundreds, if not thousands, of fund-raisers through his career and always had an extra filet or pile of shrimp for the needy; and
WHEREAS, Junie's life, though all too brief, was a full one. His positive spirit touched everyone with whom he came into contact. His legacy as a son, father, brother, grandson and friend will be carried for generations; and
WHEREAS, he is survived by his parents, Emile L. Desporte, Jr., and Shirley Desporte; wife of 30 years, Angie Desporte; his daughter, Angel Harrelson (husband Stacy and daughter Colby); his son, Sean Desporte (wife Emily); sister Julie Kessen (husband Andrew and son Dylan); brother Artie Desporte (wife Christine); and
WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of this icon of the Biloxi seafood business who was a model citizen to all Mississippians:
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 civic and charitable contributions of respected Biloxi businessman, Emile L. "Junie" Desporte III, and extend the sympathy of the Legislature to his surviving family on his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Junie Desporte and be made available to The Sun Herald and the members of the Capitol Press Corps.