House Resolution 85

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING REPRESENTATIVE FERR SMITH FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF OUTSTANDING AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI AND WISHING HIM WELL UPON HIS RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, the honorable and distinguished Representative Ferr Smith will retire from the Mississippi House of Representatives after having dedicated 23 years of extraordinary service to the people of this state; and

WHEREAS, the esteemed Representative Smith began his legislative service in 1993 after being elected by the citizens of District 27, which is now composed of portions of Attala, Leake, Madison and Yazoo Counties; and

WHEREAS, a devout member of the Baptist faith, Representative Smith was born September 10, 1941, and was well educated, graduating from Piney Woods Country Life School before earning a bachelor of science degree from Mississippi Valley State University and a juris doctorate from the University of Mississippi School of Law; and

WHEREAS, a practicing attorney, Representative Smith decided to run for a seat in the Legislature because he saw a great need for a change in Mississippi, and as a true public servant, he still believes to this very day that it is his duty to serve the people he represents; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure in the Legislature, Representative Smith has dutifully served as Chairman of the Investigate State Offices Committee, Vice Chairman of both Apportionment and Elections and Reapportionment and Redistricting, and as a member of the following committees: Agriculture, County Affairs, Fees and Salaries of Public Officers, Game and Fish (Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks), Judiciary B, Juvenile Justice (Youth and Family Affairs), Railway Development, Reapportionment and Redistricting, Universities and Colleges, and Ways and Means; and

WHEREAS, a former member of the Leake County Board of Supervisors, Representative Smith takes an active role in his community as a member of the Central Mississippi Legal Services Board of Directors, President of Leake County Development, Inc., a member of the Inter-Alumni Council and Chair of Mississippi Valley State University Foundation, and a member of the NAACP; and

WHEREAS, Representative Smith, who was supported for many years by his loving and gracious wife, the late Shirley McFarland, is looking forward to spending more time with his five children, Cassandra, Latasha, Ferri, Rochelle and Anthony; and

WHEREAS, a true statesman, Representative Smith has stood by his principles during his time in the Legislature and strived to enact legislation that is fair and equitable for all of Mississippi's citizens; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor the legacy of one of our own, who has represented his district, this body and the people of this great state with honor and integrity:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby honor the legislative legacy of Representative Ferr Smith, express gratitude for his many years of dedicated service to the people of the State of Mississippi and congratulate him upon his retirement from the Mississippi House of Representatives.

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