MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives DeLano, Barton, Bennett, Busby, Eure, Patterson, Powell, Zuber
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE LIFE AND PUBLIC SERVICE OF FORMER SENATOR WILLIAM C. "SON" RHODES OF VANCLEAVE, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY FROM THE LEGISLATURE TO HIS FAMILY UPON HIS PASSING.
WHEREAS, the Legislature and the State of Mississippi lost a wonderful friend, colleague and gentleman with the death of former State Senator William C. "Son" Rhodes on August 16, 2015, at the age of 84; and
WHEREAS, Senator Rhodes of Vancleave, who was born on February 1, 1931, in Moss Point, Mississippi, to H.M. and Hazel Rhodes, was a lifelong resident of Jackson County, and served with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Rhodes was privileged to serve as a three-term member of the hallowed institution and revered fraternity of the Mississippi Legislature as a respected member of the State Senate from 1972 to 1984; and
WHEREAS, a graduate of Moss Point High School and the University of Southern Mississippi, he taught school and coached football at East Central High School, was an upstanding religous, civic and social pillar as a member of the Dantzler Memorial United Methodist Church, a member of Young Men's Business Club of Moss Point, the American Legion Post #160, VFW Post #3373, BPOE Elks Lodge #1120, as well as many other clubs and organizations; and
WHEREAS, while in the Senate, Mr. Rhodes, who was known for his wit, generosity and friendly personality, served as Chairman of the Oil and Gas and the Marine Conservation Committees and was active in Public Health and Mississippi Gulf Coast issues; and
WHEREAS, he is preceded in death by his parents, H.M. and Hazel Rhodes; brother, H.M. "Bubba" Rhodes, Jr.; sisters: Carolyn Rhodes, Hazel Henley and Katherine Rhodes Shields; and niece, Pam Shields; and
Whereas, though he has now transcended his mortal presence to embrace immortality in its purest, for to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, Mr. Rhodes is survived by his son, Landon Rhodes of Vancleave; former wife, Mary Rhodes of Vancleave; sisters, Dorothy Kite of Vancleave and Elaine Johnson of Pascagoula; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends; and
WHEREAS, William "Son" Rhodes was one of the most respected members of the Mississippi State Senate, excelled in a variety of major responsibilities and served the Senate, his constituents, colleagues and the State of Mississippi exceptionally well, and it is the policy of this Legislature to acknowledge the public service of an individual whose life was exemplified by fairness and sound judgment, and the establishment of the highest standard of leadership in the Mississippi Senate and as a true friend:
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 commend the life and legacy of public service of former Senator William C. "Son" Rhodes, and express to his family and friends deepest sympathy from the Legislature upon his passing and our thanks for sharing Mr. Rhodes with us and with the State of Mississippi.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. William C. "Son" Rhodes and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.