MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2015 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Frazier, Butler (38th), Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Lee, Norwood, Simmons (12th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MR. JOSEPH MICKEL OF JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY.
WHEREAS, one hundred years ago began an amazing journey of a hard-working hero. Mr. Mickel, a lifetime resident of Jackson, Mississippi, will be 100 years old on February 25, 2015. Mr. Mickel has been distinguished as a skilled worker, caregiver and parent, who has given of himself so that the quality of life for others could be improved; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Mickel was born on February 25, 1915. He is the fourth child of Robert and Mandy Mickel. He was married to a loving and devoted wife Eula Mickel for 61 years and to this union six children were born. He has nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. His wife passed away on October 21, 2009, and he also had two children who have passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mickel joined Mt. Olive Church when he was eight years old and was baptized when he was 14 years old. He held the positions of Head Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent. He also opened and closed the doors of the church every Sunday. He was a faithful member until 1996 when he was no longer able to attend church physically. However, he has remained faithful in paying his tithes, his son brings him a Sunday School book that he reads every weekend and he reads his Bible on Wednesdays and Saturdays; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mickel started his education at Mt. Olive Baptist Church. He joined the Army on 12/13/1942 and served until 12/13/1945. He attended Campton College for two years training as a mechanic. After that he attended Jim Hill College for two years. He worked at Valley Mill putting 200 pound mill on buggies onto trains. He also worked at a Japanese Camp putting down sewage lines. He then started his career with the Coca-Cola Company in June 1947 where he held several positions and retired in March 1980; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mickel has always been a wonderful provider, father and leader for his wife and family. He is a wise man and still has a sound mind. He is well loved by his children, neighbors and anyone who meets him; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mickel contributes his longevity to his faith. During his lifetime everyone who has had the honor of meeting him has been blessed by being in his presence and gaining the wisdom and knowledge that he offers. Mr. Mickel's life has spanned the administration of 17 United States Presidents from Woodrow Wilson to Barack Obama, and 26 Mississippi Governors from Earl Brewer to Phil Bryant. This family icon has witnessed many historic events during his lifetime, including the invention of the automobile by Henry Ford, the Wright Brothers' first airplane flight and man's walk on the moon:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby join his descendants and are indeed blessed to recognize Mr. Mickel of Jackson, Mississippi, on the occasion of his 100th Birthday, and extend our best wishes on this auspicious event.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Mr. Mickel and his family, and forwarded to the Capitol Press Corps.