House Resolution 71

A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. SAMUEL EARL WILSON III, AND EXPRESSING SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, it is written in II Corinthians 4:17-18, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal," and as such, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Samuel Earl Wilson III, to rest eternally, as he has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Forrest County, particularly the community of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, lost a wonderful friend, true public servant and revered educator with the passing of Mr. Samuel Earl Wilson III, on Monday, August 16, 2021, and there is now a hush in our hearts as we come together to pay our respects to the memory of one who has been called to join that innumerable heavenly caravan; and

WHEREAS, born in Hattiesburg on June 3, 1933, to the late Mr. Samuel Earl Wilson II, and Mrs. Myrtle Wright Wilson, Mr. Wilson possessed a zeal for life that was complimented by his personal determination to do his best in any endeavor undertaken, which was made evident in his decision to pursue his postsecondary education after graduating from Springfield High School in 1950, a decision that directed his path to Atlanta's prestigious Morehouse College, where he acquired his bachelor of science degree in physical education/biology before returning to his beloved Hattiesburg to attain a master of science degree from the University of Southern Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, equipped with an arsenal of instructional tools, gained during his matriculation at Morehouse, Mr. Wilson commenced his professional career as a teacher and coach in 1955 at Mattie Jones High School in Richton, Mississippi, where he remained for the next 11 years, with the exception of the two years he devoted in service to the United States Armed Forces, while stationed at Fort Hauchuca, Arizona, from 1956 to 1958, before receiving an honorable discharge to return to Mattie Jones High School; and

WHEREAS, upon the completion of his inaugural tenure in education at Mattie Jones, Mr. Wilson worked briefly at Carver High School in the neighboring community of Collins, before accepting a three-year teaching position at Tappan Zee High School, in Orangeburg, New York, before committing the remaining 22 years of his lived New York experience as a science teacher and coach with the Clarkstown Central School District until retiring in 1994; and

WHEREAS, upon concluding the final chapter of his 25-year career in New York, Mr. Wilson once again heeded the infallible tug on his heartstrings to return to his native and forever home of Hattiesburg, where, again he answered the beckoning call to fulfill his passion to inspire future generations through academic impartation, and devoted two additional years to the classroom, before officially entering the hallowed halls of retirement; and

WHEREAS, because Mr. Wilson believed in giving back to the community that had given so much to him, he always found time to volunteer, as evidenced by his affiliations with Mount Carmel Baptist Church, YMCA (director of Hi-Y Clubs), Boy Scouts of America (troop counselor), New York State Teachers Association, Clarkstown Teacher Association, NEA, Rockland County Science Teacher Association, National Science Teachers Association, IAABO (basketball), The Elks IBPOEW, New York and State of Mississippi Coaching Association and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., of which he was a charter member of the Hattiesburg Alumni Chapter; and

WHEREAS, a successful championship coach with 14 titles across the spectrum of sports disciplines, Mr. Wilson has crossed the threshold to the finish line to unite in triumphant victory and a kindred spirit's embrace from his previously departed parents, and sisters, Bettye Moore and Johnnye Romero, yet the legacy of his memory will forever be etched in the hearts and memories of his survivors, including: his wife, Ruby Jewel Burkett Wilson; adopted son and nephew, Tradis Lanier Burkett (Phyllis); and a host of other special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, we encourage the family to find solace from the overwhelming sadness created by the earthly departure of their beloved family member and be renewed in their faith that Mr. Wilson fulfilled the purpose of his appointed time in adherence to the commandment of II Timothy 4:7, by having "fought a good fight, finishing his course and keeping the faith until the hour of his departure was at hand"; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the lives of such remarkable individuals, as evidenced by the life and merits of Mr. Wilson, whose gift of employing his finite wisdom and heightened educational acumen inspired generations of aspiring talents to become men and women of great rapport in their respective walks of life:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the life and legacy of service of Mr. Samuel Earl Wilson III, and extend deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. Samuel Earl Wilson III and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.