House Resolution 9

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF RANDY JOSEPH NAYLOR, SR., AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, "To everything there is a season, and time to every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, the grand architect of the universe, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny, has summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Randy Joseph Naylor, Sr., to eternal rest, as he has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi and the Vicksburg Community lost a wonderful friend, community leader, Christian and educator on Thursday, November 7, 2013, with the passing of Mr. Naylor, who was born on June 23, 1953, to the late George Washington and Lillian B. Naylor; and

WHEREAS, he confessed a childhood hope in Christ at an early age and was a faithfully devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church, where he served in various capacities of Christian service as an usher and President of the Laymen's Ministry; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of Rosa A. Temple High School Class of 1973, where he was the school drum major, Mr. Naylor later attended Hinds Community College where he focused on studies in criminal justice, in efforts of gaining a knowledge of the law and the system he would commit himself to as a profession; and

WHEREAS, ever the diligent worker, and meaningful provider for his family, Mr. Naylor was employed with the Vicksburg Warren County School System as a bus driver and ISD instructor while working at the Merchant Company at night, and serving as security guard for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before joining the Vicksburg Police Department in 1988; and

WHEREAS, possessing a heart for knowledge and service, he underwent extensive training in numerous areas of law enforcement, most notably in criminal and juvenile investigation before being elected to the office of Constable in 2008 and receiving certification as Notary Public; and

WHEREAS, as fate would lend itself to building upon the blueprint divinely designed for the pattern of his life by the Great Deity, Mr. Naylor's love, chivalry and affection pierced the heart of Mrs. Dorothy Bell Naylor, and the duo became bone of one another's bone and flesh of one another's flesh after exchanging the nuptials of holy matrimony; and

WHEREAS, a God-fearing Christian before all other roles he assumed, a devoted husband and caring father next, and always the willing worker, Mr. Naylor possessed an ambitious spirit akin to that of King David, being a man after God's own heart as he led by example and his willingness to serve and be of service to others; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to reunite with those who answered God's summons to life eternal and now beckon his arrival to the celestial shores of Heaven's grandeur, including his parents and eight siblings, the legacy of Mr. Naylor's memory will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his beloved survivors: devoted wife, Dorothy; children, Ronita Bride, Brandy Naylor-Wilson, Randy J. Naylor, Jr., and Ben Humphrey; seven grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to acknowledge the selfless and genteel nature of an individual of the esteemed caliber as that of Mr. Naylor:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the life and legacy of Randy Joseph Naylor, Sr., and extend sincere and deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

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