Senate Concurrent Resolution 683

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REMEMBERING THE CIVIC CONTRIBUTIONS AND LEADERSHIP OF TWO-TIME GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE AND MISSISSIPPI DELTA FARMER MIKE P. STURDIVANT FROM GLENDORA.

WHEREAS, Mike P. Sturdivant (85), a two-time gubernatorial candidate and fourth-generation Mississippi Delta farmer, died on May 1, 2012, at his home on Due West Plantation in Glendora, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Sturdivant ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for Governor in 1983 and 1987. "Mike Sturdivant was one of Mississippi's most valuable and effective citizen leaders," former Governor William Winter said. "He was totally dedicated to improving life for everyone in Mississippi. He had a compassion for the less fortunate and did everything he could to improve their lives. He should have been Governor of Mississippi"; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Sturdivant was a brilliant Mississippi Delta businessman who remained active with the family's 12,000-acre farming operation; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Sturdivant's civic contributions and leadership are legendary. He served as Chairman of the State College Board and as Board Chairman of Methodist Hospital systems in Memphis. He was Co-Chairman of the Jackson-based hotel group Mississippi Management. "In recent years, Mr. Sturdivant was honored by the Chickasaw Council of the Boy Scouts of America with its distinguished citizen award, not only for his support of Scouting but also for his leadership in the community," Eastland said; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Sturdivant is survived by his wife, Ygondine, of Glendora; four sons: Mike Sturdivant, Jr., of Itta Bena, Walker Sturdivant of Greenwood, Sykes Sturdivant of Glendora and Gaines Sturdivant of Jackson; and daughter, Ygondine Creasy of Lynchburg, Virginia; and

WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of this influential civic leader, businessman and gentleman:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby remember the civic contributions and leadership of two-time gubernatorial candidate and fourth-generation Mississippi Delta farmer/businessman Mike P. Sturdivant from Glendora, Mississippi, and extend our sympathy to his surviving family on his passing and the thanks of a grateful state for his many contributions.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Mike Sturdivant and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.