MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Watson, Barnett, Burton, Dearing, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Kirby, Simmons (13th), Stone
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 THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE ON 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 (84) on August 16, 2015; and
WHEREAS, Senator Rhodes of Vancleave was born on February 1, 1931, in Moss Point to H.M. and Hazel Rhodes. He was a lifelong resident of Jackson County and served with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict; and
WHEREAS, Rhodes served and was a respected member of the State Senate from 1972 to 1984; and
WHEREAS, he graduated from Moss Point High School and The University of Southern Mississippi. He taught school and coached football at East Central High School. Rhodes was a member of the Dantzler Memorial United Methodist Church, a member of the Young Men's Business Club of Moss Point, the American Legion Post 160, VFW Post #3373, BPOE Elks Lodge #1120, as well as other clubs and organizations; and
WHEREAS, while in the Senate, Rhodes served as Chairman of the Oil and Gas and the Marine Conservation Committees and was active in Public Health and Mississippi Gulf Coast issues. He was known for his quick wit, generosity and his friendly personality; 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. He is survived by his son, Landon Rhodes of Vancleave; former wife, Mary Rhodes of Vancleave; and sisters, Dorothy Kite of Vancleave and Elaine Johnson of Pascagoula. He also leaves behind 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. He excelled in a variety of major responsibilities and served the Senate, his constituents, colleagues and the State of Mississippi exceptionally well. Son'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 legacy of public service of former Senator William C. "Son" Rhodes, and express to his family the sympathy of the Legislature on his passing and our thanks for sharing Son with us and with the State of Mississippi.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the family of former Senator William "Son" Rhodes and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.