House Resolution 128

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE REMARKABLE AND DISTINGUISHED CAREER OF DR. JERRY BABB GULLEDGE, SR., ACKNOWLEDGING HIS CONTRIBUTION AND SERVICES TO THE MEDICAL PROFESSION AND CONGRATULATING HIM UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, Dr. Jerry Babb Gulledge, Sr., a Crystal Springs, Mississippi, native and an esteemed physician and general surgeon extraordinaire commenced to lay down his scalpel and stethoscope and hang his pristine white physician coat on time's wall of fulfilled accomplishment upon the occasion of his retirement on July 25, 2012, after 56 years of practice; and

WHEREAS, a 1950 graduate of Crystal Springs Consolidated School and an alumnus of Millsaps College, Dr. Gulledge commenced his medical matriculation at the University of Mississippi Medical School in Oxford, Mississippi, before later transferring to the University of Tennessee Medical School in Memphis, Tennessee, where, at the age of 24 he was awarded his medical degree on September 26, 1956; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Gulledge completed his intern residency at the Baroness Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and subsequent thereto served two years as a medical officer in the United State Navy before returning to his hometown of Crystal Springs to open an office for general practice and surgery in 1959; and

WHEREAS, during the course of his career, Dr. Gulledge delivered more than 3,500 babies, served as Chief of Staff at Hardy Wilson Memorial Hospital in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, and maintained his private practice at the same location on Railroad Avenue for 53 years; and

WHEREAS, in addition to rendering his professional skill to the community, Dr. Gulledge also sought to make a difference in the quality and offerings of life for all citizens of Crystal Springs and Copiah County by seeking the political office of Alderman-at-large for the municipal board of Mayor and Aldermen, which proved successful as indicated by his election and subsequent reelections totaling 36 years, which also allowed him to be vetted as Mayor Pro Tempore of the Board; and

WHEREAS, a member of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce, he realized the potential of and the advantages for Crystal Springs and Copiah County, and was a charter member of Rolling Hills County Club, serving as President of the Men's Golf Association; and

WHEREAS, an ardent supporter of the Lake Chautauqua Park, Dr. Gulledge has donated 20 cherry trees and unlimited financial support to the park's revitalization project efforts, in addition to being faithfully devoted in his membership, stewardship and services to Crystal Springs United Methodist Church, where he serves on the Financial Committee and the Administrative Council; and

WHEREAS, having met his life partner and soul mate, the former Ann Carter, while they were both students at Millsaps, the two united to become the union of one in December 1955, and their 57 years of marriage has been blessed with two children, Jerry, Jr., and Leigh Lawyer, and four grandsons, Ben, Davis, Carter and Harris; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the extraordinary career of such a tremendous gem to Crystal Springs, Copiah County and the entire State of Mississippi, such as Dr. Gulledge, whose service is the impetus that fuels aspiring physicians to contribute to the communities which fostered their development:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the remarkable and distinguished career of Dr. Jerry Babb Gulledge, Sr., acknowledge his contribution and services to the medical profession, congratulate him upon the occasion of his retirement, and extend most sincere wishes for continued health, happiness, joy and success in all of his future endeavors as he enjoys the lighter years of life.

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