House Resolution 13

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING DR. WILLIAM EDWIN MOAK UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM 60 YEARS OF OUTSTANDING MEDICAL PRACTICE IN RICHTON, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Dr. William Edwin Moak, born on July 25, 1925, in Philadelphia, Mississippi, recently retired after caring for the medical needs of the Richton, Mississippi, community for the past 60 years; and

WHEREAS, having always appreciated the importance of a strong education, Dr. Moak graduated from Philadelphia High School in 1942 at the age of 16 and graduated from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1944 at the remarkably young age of 18; and

WHEREAS, in 1947, Dr. Moak graduated from the University of Tennessee Medical School before completing an internship in Detroit, Michigan, and then entering residency at Mercy Hospital in Vicksburg, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, after practicing for a year in Lewisburg, Tennessee, Dr. Moak relocated to Richton, Mississippi, at which time he joined Dr. Chester C. Moe in practice in the back of Carley's Drug Store; and

WHEREAS, when the Korean Conflict broke out, Dr. Moak courageously volunteered to serve his country and joined the United States Navy and was assigned to the aircraft carrier, USS Sitkoh Bay; and

WHEREAS, during his year of active service, Dr. Moak made numerous trips across the Pacific Ocean as the only doctor aboard caring for 1,000 to 2,000 men; and

WHEREAS, having returned to Richton in 1953 and continuing his practice with Dr. Moe for several years, Dr. Moak later left to form a partnership practice at the Richton Medical Clinic shortly after the Perry County General Hospital opened in 1964; and

WHEREAS, during his six decades of practice in Richton, he delivered around 4,000 babies, and for 20 years he assisted in surgery at Perry County General Hospital; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Moak is married to the former Lucy Gerald, and they have two children, Susan Moak Sheldon (Jerry) of Jackson, Mississippi, and Dr. Tom Ed Moak (Mary) of Atlanta, Georgia; four grandchildren, Cassie, Jay, Ed and Tom; and one great-grandson, Jack; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend and congratulate an outstanding physician such as Dr. William Moak who has proudly and passionately served and cared for the citizens of his community and the State of Mississippi for 60 years:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Dr. William Edwin Moak upon his retirement from 60 years of outstanding medical practice in Richton, Mississippi, and extend best wishes for a happy and blessed retirement.

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