House Concurrent Resolution 54

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE PROFESSIONAL CAREER AND COMMUNITY AND CIVIC SERVICE OF WILLIE LOUIS RICHARDSON AND ACKNOWLEDGING HIS COMMITMENT TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Clarksdale, Mississippi, native, Willie Louis Richardson, has had many great moments in his life, given his impressive body of work, athleticism, professional athletic career and community service; and

WHEREAS, born on November 17, 1939, Mr. Richardson graduated from Coleman High School in Greenville, Mississippi, in 1959 and attended Jackson State University on a football scholarship from 1959 to 1963 where he was an All-American and earned his bachelor of science degree in health and physical education; and

WHEREAS, a 1963 National Football League (NFL) seventh-round draft pick and an American Football League (AFL) third-round draft pick by the New York Jets, Richardson was traded to the Baltimore Colts and embarked upon an exciting whirlwind pro-football career spanning nine years; and

WHEREAS, Willie, who played for the Colts from 1963 to 1969, the Miami Dolphins for the 1970 season and again for the Colts for the 1971 season, at the pinnacle of his athletic prowess, was named First Team All-Pro by the Associated Press in 1967, two-time Pro-Bowl selection in 1967 and 1968, NFL All-Pro Wide Receiver, Colts' leading receiver in 1967, 1968 and 1971, and was the Colts' starting wide receiver in Super Bowl III against the New York Jets in 1969; and

WHEREAS, since the conclusion of his professional football career, Richardson undertook furthering his educational matriculation by taking graduate courses in criminal justice at Coppin State University in Baltimore, Maryland, and also in public policy and administration at Jackson State University, in addition to having gained lucrative employment experience as an entrepreneur, news sports director, and as an employee of the State of Mississippi in three different agency capacities, all of which have prepared him for his most recent undertaking as principal owner and general manager of Brookwood Byram Country Club; and

WHEREAS, nicknamed "Wonderful Willie" in college, Mr. Richardson, now approaching his 72nd year, has experienced an enriched life of opportunity, service and volunteerism, and great notability as an athlete, civic servant, businessman, husband, father and grandfather, and most importantly, an iconic Mississippian; and

WHEREAS, a member of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, where he serves on the Board of Directors of the New Hope Foundation, Mr. Richardson is a member of the Nine Iron Golf Club, Jackson State University Tiger Fund, Jackson State University Local Alumni Association and Jackson State University National Alumni Association, and has previously served or presently serves on the Board of Directors of the YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, NFL Players Association, NFL Alumni Association and the Central Mississippi Chapter of the National Football Foundation; and

WHEREAS, bestowed with numerous honors for his prolific feats of athleticism, his voluminous vault of accolades include: four-time member of the Pittsburgh Courier Black All-American Team; three-time All-SWAC performer; two-time NAIA All-American; SWAC leader in pass receptions and yards gained; Little All-American wide receiver; national leader in yardage receptions; All-SWAC Golf Player; 1978 Jackson State University Sports

Hall of Fame inductee for golf and football; 1979 Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame inductee; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., "Citizen of the Year Award" for 1982; Certificate of Appreciation Award for Outstanding Dedicated Services, Jackson Hinds Alumni Chapter in 1983; 1992 Southwestern Atlantic Conference (SWAC) Sports Hall of Fame inductee; All-American Football Foundation

Little American Award recipient in 1993; 2002 National High School Hall of Fame inductee; 2003 National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame inductee; and a 2011 finalist for induction into the Black College Football Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, throughout the duration of his life and career, Mr. Richardson has enjoyed the encouragement, support and unwavering love of his wife, Earline O. Richardson; children, Willie, Sonji and Shawn; and grandchildren, Sheena, Monique, Clyde, Ricquel, Greg and Brad; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend such noteworthy individuals as Mr. Richardson, whose life showcases the real American dream and the progression from humble beginnings to a life of success and prosperity marked by a natural humility and selflessness to give back to the community, and imparts a sense of pride and integrity to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the professional career and community and civic service of Willie Louis Richardson, acknowledge his commitment to the State of Mississippi and extend best wishes for continued success, health and joy in all of his future endeavors.

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