MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2012 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Stone, Parks, Browning, Butler (38th), Frazier, Jackson (32nd), Wilemon
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE PUBLIC SERVICE OF GILROY BAILS, SR., THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN ALDERMAN OF THE CITY OF RIPLEY, MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, Gilroy Bails, Sr., who became the first African-American Alderman for the City of Ripley, Mississippi, died December 19, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Alderman Bails, a longtime Deacon at Ripley Second Baptist Church, was elected Ward 3 Alderman in 1985 and served as Alderman and as Mayor Pro Tempore for 25 years. He served under five different Mayors. "I've never missed a meeting in 25 years," Bails said in a 2009 article about his life; and
WHEREAS, Alderman Gilroy Bails was an outstanding leader for the City of Ripley for 24 years as a public servant. During this time, his many accomplishments included establishing the city's first zoning ordinance, building codes, completion of the city sewer system, paving projects, establishing the Main Street Program, and city park improvements. The city named Bails Road in the Industrial Park area near Terry Street in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Alderman Gilroy Bails, Sr., "Littlen" was born July 30, 1934, to the late Mr. Andrew Bails and the late Nodie Simmons Cox. He confessed hope in Christ at an early age at St. John Baptist Church. He later joined fellowship with the Ripley Second Baptist Church where he faithfully served as Deacon, Church Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher, Assistant Sunday School Superintendent and a member of the Brotherhood; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bails was an employee at Jitney Jungle and retired after many years of service. He was also a well-known Bus Driver for South Tippah School District. He served the community as Ward 3 Alderman for 24 consecutive years and he was also a member of the Ripley Lions Club; and
WHEREAS, he leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 55 years, Grace P. Ratliff Bails; three sons: Alfonso (Annette) Bails, Gilroy Jr., (Helen) Bails and Gregory (Pam) Bails; two daughters: Teresa (John) Smith and Diane (Tony) Rogers; five grandchildren: Larry Johnson, Jr., Tremain Rogers, Fabian Bails, Amberly Rogers and Mackenzie Bails; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Hattie (Albert) Cox; three aunts: Annette McDonald, Betty Jean Simmons and Johnnie Simmons; two sisters-in-law: Johnnie Cox and Dorothy Bails; two brothers-in-law: Lonnie (Mary) Ratliff and Joe (Scottie) Ratliff; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and
WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of this wonderful public servant, whose great and good spirit enriched the lives of all fellow Mississippians:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the public service of Gilroy Bails, Sr., and extend our sympathy to his surviving family on his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be transmitted to his surviving family, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Ripley, Mississippi, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.