House Resolution 92

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF EDUCATOR AND COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS LEADER, MELVILLE C. TILLIS, OF CLARKSDALE, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXTENDING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, Melville C. Tillis, an educator and community and business leader of Clarksdale, Mississippi, departed this earthly life at the blessed age of 84, to enter into eternal rest, causing great sorrow and loss to his family and many friends; and

WHEREAS, Melville was born in Clarksdale to Charlie and Willie B. Tillis, and for eight decades, Melville Tillis was an avid, positive outspoken supporter for his hometown and was named Clarksdale's 2011-2012 Citizen of the Year; and

WHEREAS, in his 84 years he served as a community leader, educator, business leader, athlete, coach, historian and chairperson of Clarksdale Public Utilities Commission, and he championed Clarksdale as an important and historic center for blues and gospel music and a city where the races work together for the betterment of all; and

WHEREAS, Melville cofounded the Sunflower River Gospel Association with his friend, the late Julius Guy, and he knew many music celebrities including: Rabbit Foot Mistral Organizers, Bobby Rush, Little Milton Campbell, Clayton Love, and others who often played at his business, the Rivermount Lounge; and

WHEREAS, as a musician himself, he played trumpet with many of Clarksdale's early musicians including: Ike Turner's First Hometown Band, but when asked about the experience, he would say with a smile, "Actually, Ike played with us."; and

WHEREAS, for 35 years, Melville Tillis was a proud educator in the Coahoma County School District, where he served as a teacher, coach and administrator, and he also coached Clarksdale Little League baseball and refereed basketball games at college and high school levels in the community; and

WHEREAS, inducted into their Hall of Fame, Melville was an alumnus and former football star of Alcorn State University, and as a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi for 63 years, he loved his Kappa brothers, and was honored by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., for Outstanding Community Service; and

WHEREAS, as a member of the North Delta Alcorn Alumni Association, Melville was a dedicated Alcornite and helped others attend his alma mater, and the Greenville Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi also supported his dedication to education through the Melville C. Tillis Scholarship; and

WHEREAS, he was a God-fearing man who had great love for the Lord, his family, his church, his pastor, his community, and the duties that were set before him; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the life and legacy of the sons of Mississippi, such as Mr. Tillis, who devoted their lives to its betterment and who touched the lives of countless individuals in their community and in this great state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life and legacy of Mr. Melville C. Tillis, of Clarksdale, Mississippi, a dedicated family man as well as a great community leader, educator, business leader, athlete, coach, historian and friend, and express deepest sympathy to his family and many friends upon his passing.

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