MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2019 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Tollison, Blackwell, Browning, Burton, Clarke, Fillingane, Frazier, Jackson (32nd), Jordan, McMahan, Norwood, Simmons (12th), Watson
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE CONDOLENCES OF THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE TO THE BEREAVED FAMILY OF LAFAYETTE COUNTY SHERIFF F.D. "BUDDY" EAST AND COMMENDING HIS LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE AS THE LONGEST-SERVING ACTIVE SHERIFF IN MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of Lafayette County Sheriff F.D. "Buddy" East on September 8, 2018. At the time of his passing, Sheriff East was the longest-serving active Sheriff in Mississippi and we join the citizens of Lafayette County in recognizing his service; and
WHEREAS, a native of Lafayette County, Buddy faithfully served his community as the longest-tenured Sheriff in Mississippi. Prior to his first term as Lafayette County Sheriff in 1972, Buddy served as the Assistant Chief of Police for the Oxford Police Department; and
WHEREAS, his community recognized his love and devotion by naming him the Oxford Citizen of the Year in 1991. Throughout his long career, Sheriff East was recognized with countless awards, certificates, honorable titles, and medals. Among the many, he was most honored to be awarded the Silver Star for Bravery from the American Law Enforcement Association. In 2015, Sheriff East was honored by the Lafayette County Law Enforcement Officers Association with the Medal of Valor and Unselfishness in the Face of Danger; and
WHEREAS, Buddy served two terms as President of the Mississippi Sheriffs' Association from 1989-1990 and 1999-2000, was a faithful member of New Prospect Baptist Church and was especially proud of his time as a former Little League Baseball Coach. Known by his grandchildren as "Pap Paw" or "Granddaddy," his love for his family was beyond measure. Even during the busiest seasons of his life, Buddy was ever-present in the lives of his grandchildren, attending any and all of their school and sports activities. An avid Ole Miss fan, he was excited to see what his Rebels would do this season; and
WHEREAS, Sheriff East's humble heart touched the lives of all he encountered. Before his death, he expressed great gratitude to the Community of Oxford and Lafayette County for allowing him to serve the people and the town he loved. Sheriff East's 46 years of honorable service left an impact and legacy on Lafayette County and the law enforcement community in the State of Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, survivors include his wife, Mary Hall East; five children: Melissa Westbrook (Billy), Joey East (Kimberly), Shannon Lomax (Max), Steve Lewis (Melanie), and Scott Lewis (Brandi); his sister Nona Tutor and thirteen grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Buddy has been a wonderful example for professional law enforcement and public service, and we commend his record of achievement and legacy of leadership and dedication to Lafayette County and the State of Mississippi. We can never repay our debt to law enforcement officers such as Sheriff East, 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:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby extend the condolences of the Mississippi Legislature to the bereaved family of Lafayette County Sheriff F.D. "Buddy" East and commend his law enforcement service as the longest-serving active Sheriff in Mississippi.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Sheriff East, forwarded to the Lafayette County Board of Supervisors and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.