MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2011 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Powell, Butler (38th), Carmichael, Fillingane, Frazier, Jackson (32nd), Jones, Stone
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND MOURNING THE LOSS OF FORMER ALCORN COUNTY SUPERVISOR AND DECORATED WORLD WAR II VETERAN SULLY AYERS.
WHEREAS, funeral services with military honors for Sulley Detroy Ayers, 90, of Corinth, Mississippi, were held on January 23, 2011, at the Union Baptist Church with burial at the church cemetery; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ayers was born June 11, 1920. He was a former city street commissioner, county supervisor, serving as President of the Alcorn County Board of Supervisors and election commissioner for 12 years. He owned Ayers and Mattox Construction Company; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ayers was a United States Army Veteran of World War II, landing on D-Day in France. He served in General Patton's Army and served in the Army of Occupation. He was awarded the Bronze Star for Gallantry and Bravery and the Purple Heart; and
WHEREAS, he was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the American Legion and Veteran of Foreign Wars; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ayers loved his family and friends, especially his children and grandchildren, and enjoyed discussing politics, riding his motorcycle, boating at Pickwick Lake and operating heavy equipment. He enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest; and
WHEREAS, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lila Fern Ayers; a daughter, Nina Gale Benjamin; his parents, Florence Ayers Rowland and Kim Rowland; a brother, James Demetra Rowland; and a sister, Lou Gene Woods. Survivors include a son, Buddy Ayers, and wife, Sherolyn of Corinth; a sister, Olene Ross of Corinth; four grandchildren, Scott Benjamin and wife, Geri, of Memphis, Tennessee; Brett Benjamin and wife, Lisa, of Corinth; Tara Ayers of Corinth; and Shawn Ayers of Corinth; five great-grandchildren; a son-in-law, Jim Benjamin of Corinth; and other relatives and a host of friends; and
WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of this respected veteran, public servant and businessman who was a leading citizen of his community and state:
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 mourn the loss of former Alcorn County Supervisor and decorated World War II Veteran Sully Ayers of Corinth, Mississippi, and extend the thanks of a grateful state for his public service.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Mr. Ayers, forwarded to the Alcorn County Board of Supervisors and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.