House Concurrent Resolution 51

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING DR. ONOUS WELLS UPON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER 50 YEARS OF PROVIDING DENTAL SERVICES TO MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, the retirement of Dr. Onous Wells, a dentist, was celebrated on December 8, 2011, in Crystal Springs, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Wells was born in Newton, Mississippi, on July 14, 1924, and attended Mississippi College and after he returned from serving in World War II, he graduated in 1950 with a degree in chemistry and a minor in psychology; and

WHEREAS, following the familial influence of four uncles who were preachers, Dr. Wells attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where he studied music for two years and served as minister of music to several Texas churches; and

WHEREAS, upon his return to Mississippi, Dr. Wells remained steadfast in the ministry and became the Minister of Music at First Baptist Church in West Point prior to accepting another call to service of a different sort and enrolling in dental school at the University of Louisville (Kentucky) Dental School; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Wells continued in his music ministry while attending dental school as a part-time minister of music until his graduation in 1959; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from dental school, Dr. Wells returned to his childhood hometown and established a successful dental practice in South Jackson, which he operated for 36 years before relocating to Crystal Springs in 1990; and

WHEREAS, while living in Jackson, Dr. Wells was actively involved as minister of music summoning angelic voices in melodic worship at several area churches, including: Griffith Memorial Baptist Church, Oak Forest Baptist Church, Alta Woods Baptist Church and Parkway Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Wells was a dedicated civil servant, serving as a member of the Jackson School Board, a member of the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, a member of the Society for Preservation of Oral Health, President of the Southwest Kiwanis Club and a board member at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; and

WHEREAS, after moving to Crystal Springs, Dr. Wells opened his second dental practice, working two or three days a week, ensuring that he had plenty of time to devote to one of his favorite pastimes, golf; and

WHEREAS, after 16 years in his second practice, Dr. Wells has decided to place a period in the final chapter of his harrowing professional career and close the book on his years spent providing dental services to Mississippi, and at long last spend his retirement with his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Thelma; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend unquestionable dedication to one's career, especially when evidenced by 50 years of service by individuals such as Dr. Wells, whose outstanding commitment brings honor to himself, his family, his profession and his community:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Dr. Onous Wells upon the occasion of his retirement after 50 years of providing dental services to Mississippi, and extend best wishes for a happy retirement.

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