House Resolution 73

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MR. CLAUDE THOMAS "BUDDY" TERRELL, JR., UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS 99TH BIRTHDAY.

WHEREAS, on February 14, 1924, the world was blessed with the birth of Mr. Claude Thomas "Buddy" Terrell, Jr., and decades later, upon the auspicious occasion of his 99th birthday, he continues to shower those around him with unconditional love and support; and

WHEREAS, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Buddy was consumed with an altruistic desire to defend and protect his country against the horrendous Axis Powers, so on December 17, 1941, at 17 years old, he joined an illustrious group of seamen in the United States Navy who were dedicated to providing freedom for all the citizens of the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Terrell served as a Gunner's Mate, 3rd class, and throughout the war, he never wavered in valor, strength, and fortitude as he traveled to many ports in the world on various ships while performing convoy duty and submarine warfare; and

WHEREAS, after facilitating victory for the United States in World War II, he shifted from an invaluable seaman to a priceless contributor to his community and continued his heroic efforts as he worked with the Memphis Fire Department and retired as a Captain in 1980; and

WHEREAS, in August 1946, Mr. Terrell exchanged the vows of holy matrimony with the love of his life, Mrs. Laura Christine "Chris" Gary Terrell, and the blissful union produced four beautiful children; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Terrell, who was born in Corinth, Mississippi, but grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, lives in Olive Branch, Mississippi, and truly enjoys spending time with family, including his six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, for the past 99 years, Mr. Claude Thomas "Buddy" Terrell, Jr., has undoubtedly inspired his family and friends by demonstrating to them what it means to be a great American, and his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren love him tremendously and revere him as the hero and wonderful father and grandfather he truly is; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the lives of Mississippi's wisest generation, especially those such as Mr. Claude Thomas "Buddy" Terrell, Jr., on the occasion of his 99th birthday, for heroically and selflessly serving the United States of America and providing the freedoms she enjoys today, bringing glory and honor to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mr. Claude Thomas "Buddy" Terrell, Jr., upon the occasion of his 99th birthday and extend sincere wishes for his happiness on such a momentous occurrence.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Claude Thomas "Buddy" Terrell, Jr., and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.