House Concurrent Resolution 94

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION HONORING AND CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. BILL MCPETERS AND EXPRESSING SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, the Corinth area community mourned the loss of one of its most flamboyant and colorful town characters on March 2, 2013, when long-time funeral director Bill McPeters crossed the chilling waters; and

WHEREAS, the oldest active and licensed funeral director, Mr. McPeters worked daily in his funeral home, McPeters Funeral Directors, until an accident on October 17, 2012, caused severe burns on his legs, requiring a long recovery process for him; and

WHEREAS, he was blessed to reach his 90th birthday on February 18, 2013, while surrounded by family and friends, but was unable to celebrate with the community due to health reasons; and

WHEREAS, Mr. McPeters was not simply a funeral director, he was a friend, counselor and sympathetic ear for many of the estimated 10,000 families whose descendants trusted him with their care throughout the years; and

WHEREAS, unstereotypical of a funeral director, Mr. McPeters treated every funeral as a celebration of life, each and every one had to be special in its own way; and

WHEREAS, he was known for his lime-green hearse, purple market scheme and light, benevolent attitude, surprise gift-giving, cigars, practical jokes, hats with feathers, scarves as belts, rose-colored glasses, brightly colored suits, red snake skin boots and black label bourbon; and

WHEREAS, to mourn his memory and cherish his legacy, he leaves his wife, Judy; daughter, Kayo; and son, Mark; and

WHEREAS, so respected by judges, doctors and legislators, that Representative Steve Holland called him "...a Southern icon," United States District Judge Neal Biggers called him "generous, kind and compassionate" and Municipal Judge Johnny Ross considered him a "life-long friend"; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to honor the lives of Mississippians such as Mr. McPeters, who not only create economic development for our state but ease the transition and bring joy to our citizens during time of bereavement:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Mr. Bill McPeters and express deepest sympathy to his family upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. McPeters, McPeters Funeral Directors and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.