House Concurrent Resolution 43

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. TERRY WILLIAM SLAUGHTER, 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, Mr. Terry William Slaughter, 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 City of Vicksburg, Mississippi, lost a wonderful friend, community leader and loyal church member with the passing of Mr. Slaughter, who was born in Elaine, Arkansas, to the late Dan and Mary Lindo Slaughter on August 21, 1928; and

WHEREAS, he confessed a childhood hope in Christ at an early age on August 5, 1942, and was faithfully baptized at Rock of Ages Baptist Church in Elaine, Arkansas, under the leadership of Reverend Cornelius Johnson, to enjoy eternal peace because as the awesome Word of God in the Book of Luke, Chapter 2, Verse 29 states, "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word," which may bring peace of mind to Mr. Slaughter's friends and family; and

WHEREAS, in 1948, Mr. Slaughter united with Gospel Temple Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend S.S. Slaughter and rededicated his life by way of baptism to the one true Lord on August 21, 2005; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Slaughter's love for the Lord and his church was demonstrated by his loyalty, commitment and faithfulness in serving on the Usher, Deacon and Sunday School Ministries, and the church showed its appreciation of his devoted and humble service at Gospel Temple Missionary Baptist Church by presenting him with numerous virtuous awards, including the Key to the City of Vicksburg, which Mayor Robert M. Walker presented to him; and

WHEREAS, ever the diligent worker, and meaningful provider for his family, Mr. Slaughter was employed for thirty years with the Vicksburg Concrete Company, where he received several awards recognizing his dedication and superb craftsmanship, before his retirement in August 1997, as an exceedingly experienced laborer with Mississippi Material Concrete Company; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Slaughter was a committed member of Mt. Nebo Lodge #37 ALAM Scottish Rites, working under King Hiram Grand Lodge A.F. and A.M. of Jackson, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Slaughter, a soft spoken man who was held in the highest regard by family and friends, enjoyed the simpler things in life, including reading his Bible, studying the Sunday School lesson, listening to wonderful and uplifting gospel music, and communicating with loved ones, always ending each conversation with "I Love You."; and

WHEREAS, a giant of a man in the minds and hearts of all who knew him, Mr. Slaughter was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather not only to his children but to others in the community, and his demeanor greatly influenced those fortunate to cross his righteous and enlightened path to love as he loved and as the Lord loves all of His children; 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. Slaughter's love, chivalry and affection pierced the heart of Modell Yancy Slaughter, and the duo became bone of one another's bone and flesh of one another's flesh after exchanging the nuptials of holy matrimony by Reverend E.D. Johnson on December 9, 1946, in Warren County, Mississippi, and the two, who were married for forty-two years before Mrs. Slaughter's death, completed their family unit with the addition of two sons and seven daughters; 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 wife, his parents, two daughters, seven siblings and one granddaughter, the legacy of Mr. Slaughter's memory will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his beloved survivors: sons, Bennie (Catherine) Slaughter and Walter Crum; daughters, Ollie S. Brown, Jackel Slaughter, Linda Slaughter, Shirley S. (Melvin) Jones and Terrie S. Jones; twenty-five grandchildren, thirty-five great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Lee Ethel Turner and Margaret Davis Little; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to acknowledge the selflessness and benevolence of such a humanitarian and affectionate individual of esteemed caliber as Mr. Slaughter:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the life and legacy of Mr. Terry William Slaughter, 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. Terry William Slaughter and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.