House Concurrent Resolution 68

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF SHERIFF DUANE DILLON, 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 summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Walthall County Sheriff Duane Dillon, to eternal rest on November 30, 2015, at the age of 67, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi and the City of Tylertown, Mississippi, lost a wonderful friend and community leader with the passing of Sheriff Dillon, who was born to the late A.C. and Eunice Graves Dillon on December 20, 1947, in Tylertown, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Dillon was initially appointed to the sheriff's position in 1997 to fill the vacated seat until a special election could be held, but by the time the special election rolled around, the community had grown accustomed to the excellent protection, attentive diligence and hard work that Sheriff Dillon provided so they elected him to serve for four full terms; and

WHEREAS, before he began his tenure as Walthall County Sheriff, Sheriff Dillon gained invaluable experience in providing safety and security to a community during his service as Pike County Sheriff from 1984 until 1987, so when he was appointed sheriff in Walthall County, he became the only person in Mississippi to win the general election for sheriff in two counties; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Dillon also benefitted Pike County as a constable and justice court judge, and before he made the decision to enter into the world of politics and make the state a better place to live, he had encouraged and inspired the youth of his community, as a teacher and coach, to strive for greatness; and

WHEREAS, remembered as a tall man with a dry sense of humor who could laugh, joke and have fun regardless of his circumstances, Sheriff Dillon was in his 19th year as county sheriff at the time of his death, and many believe he would have been elected to serve another four years or more if not for his deteriorating health, which delivered a devastating blow to the entire Walthall County community; and

WHEREAS, the former high school and college basketball player has been described by some as "the perfect mix of Andy Taylor and the Marlboro man," and in addition to his role as county sheriff, he was a member and past-president of the Mississippi Sheriffs' Association, a member of Lexie Baptist Church, a Mason, a Shriner and the co-owner and operator of Dillons' Seafood, a family business; and

WHEREAS, when he was not protecting and serving the citizens of Walthall County as sheriff, he enjoyed getting lost in a good book, the tranquility of an early morning bird hunt, dropping a line on a lazy summer afternoon and socializing and enjoying the company of his many friends and family members; and

WHEREAS, Sheriff Dillon's legacy of honesty, compassion and hard work lives on today in the hearts and memories of those who knew and loved him best as well as the countless lives he unknowingly impacted with his friendly demeanor, infectious laughter and dry, hilarious sense of humor; 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, Sheriff Dillon's memory will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his beloved survivors: his wife of 25 years, Keely Fortinberry Dillon; children, Jason Duane Dillon and Jennah Kaice Dillon; brother-in-law, Jim Seman; sisters-in-law, Dot Dillon and Delores Dillon; special friend, Tony Ard; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to mourn the loss and commemorate the life and legacy of such a selfless individual as Sheriff Duane Dillon, whose commitment to serving and protecting the citizens of Walthall County which was a hallmark contribution that spoke to his stupendous character:

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, legacy and contributions of Sheriff Duane Dillon and extend sincere and deepest sympathy to his family and many friends upon his passing.

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