Senate Concurrent Resolution 718

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE UNTIMELY DEATH OF JACKSON MAYOR FRANK MELTON AND COMMENDING HIS CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS.

WHEREAS, Honorable Frank E. Melton, the 50th Mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, passed away on May 7, 2009; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Frank Melton was a unique and passionate man; and

WHEREAS, Frank Ervin Melton was born on March 19, 1949, in Houston, Texas, to parents Herbert Melton and Marguerite Haynes-Melton, who were active members of the University Presbyterian Church in Houston, Texas. Frank graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Houston, and subsequently received his Bachelor's Degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. While attending college, he also served as Director of Recreation at Lufkin State School, part of the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation. After graduating, he began his career in television as a Sports Anchor for KTRE-TV 9 in Lufkin, Texas; and

WHEREAS, in 1977, Frank relocated to Tyler, Texas, where he became General Manager of KLTV and was later promoted to Executive Vice President. In 1981, his personal drive and professional acumen led him to be appointed President of Buford Television, Inc. From 1984 to 2002, Frank Melton served as Chairman and CEO of WLBT-TV3 in Jackson, Mississippi, guiding the NBC affiliate to become the local leader in network broadcasting, and gaining recognition throughout the Jackson Metro Area for his popular weekly commentary with its signature ending: "…AND THAT, MY FRIENDS, IS THE BOTTOM LINE"; and

WHEREAS, four Mississippi governors and two Texas governors acknowledged Frank's leadership skills by appointing him to state boards and commissions. Governor Ronnie Musgrove appointed him as the Director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics in 2002. Prior to the Musgrove administration, Governor Kirk Fordice appointed Frank to chair the Governor's Criminal Justice Task Force, where his work ultimately led to the creation of the first Victim's Bill of Rights in the state; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his appointments to the Mississippi Board of Education, the Mississippi Department of Human Services Board of Directors, the Mississippi Department of Youth Services and the Texas Board of Mental Health, Frank also served on the National Board of Directors for the Broadcast Music Industry (BMI), the Liberty Broadcasting Board of Directors, and the NBC Affiliates Board of Directors, as well as the Board of Directors for the United Way of the Capital Area and the Metro Jackson Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, over the course of his life, Frank Melton received numerous awards and honors, including two Doctor of Humanities degrees and the University of Mississippi's Distinguished Leadership Award. He was also the first African-American to receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award from his alma mater, Stephen F. Austin State University; and

WHEREAS, of all his accomplishments, Frank derived the greatest sense of fulfillment from helping underserved families. He was a full-time mentor at the I.S. Sanders YMCA on Farish Street, where he used his own funds to sponsor summer camps for inner-city youth, taught hundreds of children how to swim, and frequently talked with students about the importance of staying in school. He was consistently in great demand as a motivational speaker at local schools and universities. He personally provided more than 150 college scholarships to young people in Mississippi and Texas; and

WHEREAS, on July 4, 2005, Frank E. Melton became the 50th Mayor of Jackson, often taking a hands-on approach to address issues that plagued the community. He was passionate about meeting the needs of the "least among us," and he asked constituents and peers alike to simply call him "Frank." When Hurricane Katrina devastated the Mississippi Gulf Coast less than two months after he took office, the compassion and generosity shown by Jacksonians to those whose lives were impacted by the storm inspired Frank to hail Jackson as "The City of Grace and Benevolence"; and

WHEREAS, he was preceded in death by his parents; oldest brother, Robert Melton; and nephew, James Melton, Jr. He leaves behind his wife, Dr. Ellen G. Redd Melton, and children, Matthew Ryan and Lauren Ashleigh; two brothers, Rodney (Janice) and James; nephews, Chrisagon and Steffen; niece, Lena Marguerite; cousin, Francine Melton Bryant; and sisters-in-law, Marilyn Redd and Carolyn Redd. He also leaves to mourn his passing numerous young men who became part of his extended family as a result of his mentorship; and

WHEREAS, State Representative Jim Evans, who delivered Mayor Melton's eulogy, compared him to the biblical story of the Good Samaritan, who gave because he believed it was the right thing to do. Former Governor Ronnie Musgrove stated, "Frank had a heart for young people. He loved Jackson." Governor Haley Barbour stated "Frank Melton put his heart into being Mayor. He deserves credit for trying very hard to do the right thing for the City of Jackson, and helping the City of Jackson, and he had a very big, good heart." It is with sadness that we note the passing of this passionate public official:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we hereby mourn the untimely death of Jackson, Mississippi's, 50th Mayor, the Honorable Frank E. Melton, commend his many charitable contributions to his community and state, and extend our sympathy to his surviving family.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Mayor Frank Melton, forwarded to the Acting Mayor and City Council of the City of Jackson and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.