Senate Resolution 2

A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE PROFOUND SORROW ON THE LOSS OF LINCOLN COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF WILLIAM DURR WHILE ON OFFICIAL DUTY AND EXTENDING OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS BEREAVED FAMILY.

WHEREAS, Lincoln County Deputy Sheriff William Durr passed away on May 28, 2017, while serving and protecting the people of Lincoln County, Mississippi, a job he loved, an event which has saddened the State of Mississippi and the entire nation; and

WHEREAS, Deputy Durr, 36, had served with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department for two years. He previously had been with the Brookhaven Police Department for four years; and

WHEREAS, he was born June 19, 1980, to Donald Jeffrey Durr and Debbie Cox Durr. Durr was a graduate of Mississippi College with a bachelor's degree. He was part of the Brookhaven Masonic Lodge and was a member of Moak's Creek Baptist Church. William had a passion for children and youth ministries and would use his talents as a ventriloquist to minister to them. He recently completed training in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Program. His other hobbies he loved were woodworking and playing guitar; and

WHEREAS, the family of fallen Lincoln County Deputy William Durr released this statement: William Durr was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, son-in-law and uncle to our family. He was a terrific friend to many. He served his LORD with his entire being. His love for others was portrayed in his service in law enforcement. William enjoyed life because he truly wanted to be a blessing to others. William had a love for young people. He served various churches in numerous positions. His work with preschoolers, children, youth and college students rendered dividends many will not fathom. Only God Himself knows the true extent of William's kingdom work. His service to God was not reserved for Sundays alone. Time and again, William would share God's love to those he encountered while serving as a deputy sheriff or police officer. He would take the time and pray for those in need of God's love and peace. His love for others knew no boundaries. William will be missed by all who knew him. His legacy of love and service will live long after his body is no longer here; and

WHEREAS, survivors are his wife, Tressie C. Hall; son, Nash Durr; mother Debbie Durr; sister, Megan Durr; a special friend he loved like a brother, Timothy Kees; father and mother-in-law, Johnny Ray and Brenda Hall; brothers-in-law, Stuart Hall and wife Sarabeth, Wade Price and Adam Cook; and a sister-in-law, Briana Hall Price; and nieces: Ashlyn Hall, Raylee Price and Amelia Price; and

WHEREAS, Governor Phil Bryant ordered flags at public buildings to be flown at half-staff in William Durr's honor. We can never repay our debt to fallen law enforcement officers and their families, but we must do what we can, with all that we have, to live our lives in a way that pays tribute to their memory. We should not pause and remember to thank law enforcement officers only in the wake of tragedy, we should do it everyday:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby express profound sorrow on the loss of Lincoln County Deputy Sheriff William Durr while on official duty and extend our deepest sympathy to his bereaved family.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Deputy William Durr, forwarded to the Sheriff of Lincoln County and the Governor, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.