MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Burton, Barnett, Blackwell, Branning, Browning, Carmichael, Dearing, Fillingane, Frazier, Jolly, Kirby, Norwood, Parker, Simmons (12th), Simmons (13th), Stone, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Jackson (15th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE LIFE AND PUBLIC SERVICE OF FORMER SENATOR ALAN MICHAEL HEFLIN OF FOREST, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXPRESS THE CONDOLENCES OF THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE TO HIS FAMILY.
WHEREAS, the Legislature and the State of Mississippi lost a wonderful friend, colleague and gentleman with the death of former State Senator Alan Michael Heflin (76) on September 7, 2015; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Heflin was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on October 1, 1939. He spent his young adulthood in Alabama, graduating from John Carroll Catholic High School in 1957, where he was later nominated as an Outstanding Alumni in 2003. Mr. Heflin continued his education at Saint Mary's College in Lebanon, Kentucky, and graduated from Saint Bernard's College in Cullman, Alabama, with a degree in Philosophy; and
WHEREAS, Senator Heflin served and was a respected member of the State Senate for two terms from 1984 to 1992, where he was affectionately called "Rooster" by his colleagues; and
WHEREAS, while in the Senate, Senator Heflin served as Chairman of the Fees, Salaries, and Administration Committee where he was active in state employee health insurance issues and was proactive in public education and public health policy. He was known for his quick wit, generosity and his friendly personality; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Heflin went to work for the Campbell Soup Company in Montgomery, Alabama, after graduation. In 1968 he moved his family to Forest, Mississippi, where he lived throughout his life. Animal Services, Incorporated, was started by Mr. Heflin in 1973. The business served the local poultry and livestock industry until 1988. He was named Mississippi Small Businessman of the Year in 1976. He completed his employment history with Colonial Insurance and retired from the Mississippi Development Authority in 1998; and
WHEREAS, Alan Heflin was an avid golfer and duck hunter. He enjoyed watching football on television and in Oxford, Mississippi, sending his three daughters through Ole Miss. He was a lifelong member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Forest. Those who knew and loved Mr. Heflin will remember him as a captivating storyteller and a joy to be around; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Heflin was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Mildred Heflin of Birmingham, Alabama, and his son-in-law, Bubba Hopkins of Jackson, Mississippi. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Peggy Jean Schilleci Heflin; and his daughters: Suzanne (Hez) Hollingsworth of Brandon, Mississippi, Allyson (Paul) Riser of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Kristi (Todd) Clayton of Jackson, Mississippi. He is also survived by his brother, Arnold Heflin, and sister, Ann Heflin, both of Cartersville, Georgia; 11 grandchildren: Miller Hollingsworth, Zach Hollingsworth, Hayes Riser, Stuart Riser, Leah Riser, Cameron Riser, Ross Hopkins, Caroline Hopkins, Sidney Clayton, Davis Clayton and Grady Clayton; four nephews; and three nieces; and
WHEREAS, Alan Heflin was one of the most respected members of the Mississippi State Senate. He excelled in a variety of major responsibilities and served the Senate, his constituents, colleagues, and the State of Mississippi exceptionally well. Alan's public service was exemplified by fairness and sound judgment, and he set the highest standard as a leader in the Mississippi Senate and as a true friend:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the life and public service of former Senator Alan Michael Heflin of Forest, Mississippi, and extend the condolences of the Mississippi Legislature to his family.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of former Senator Alan Michael Heflin and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.