MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2023 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Kirby, Barnett, Branning, Butler (38th), Chassaniol, DeBar, England, Hickman, Hill, Hopson, Jackson, McCaughn, Michel, Norwood, Parker, Sparks, Suber, Thompson, Williams
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE LIFE AND PUBLIC SERVICE OF FORMER REPRESENTATIVE NOAL AKINS OF OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE ON HIS PASSING.
WHEREAS, the Legislature and the State of Mississippi lost a wonderful colleague, gentleman and enlightened lawmaker with the passing of former State Representative Noal Akins of Oxford, Mississippi, on October 30, 2022; and
WHEREAS, Representative Akins was born in Tippah County, Mississippi, to the late Noal and Opal Akins. Being the eldest child in a large family, his early years in a family of 10 children prepared him for a future of serving on teams throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, Noal was a graduate of Buena Vista High School, Northeast Community College and Delta State University. He played basketball at each level and could be heard chuckling softly when reviewing the box scores of the state basketball tournament when he was assured his record for most points scored in the state championship game had not been eclipsed. Noal later received his Master's in Education from the University of Mississippi, which propelled him into a career of giving of himself to others as a teacher and coach; and
WHEREAS, continuing his service to the State of Mississippi, Noal served in the Mississippi National Guard. His family can recount verbatim, the encounter of his encampment south of Oxford during the integration of Ole Miss; and
WHEREAS, after college graduation, Noal's love for basketball thrust him into a career of coaching and education administration. Noal coached teams at Walnut High School, Pontotoc High School, Marshall Academy and Northwest and Northeast Community Colleges. His teams won numerous district and state championships. It was the relationships Noal shared with his former players, students and their parents that provided him the greatest delight during his later years. He found increasing happiness in telling stories of the kids he loved so dearly and what they had become in life; and
WHEREAS, after coaching, Noal developed a successful business providing bricks for numerous projects and homes in Mississippi. Any trip with Noal would include him pointing out any bricks he provided, the name and manufacturer of the bricks, where the dirt was from that made the bricks, and most importantly to Noal, a story of the people who lived inside the walls. All drives would include how the area related to important points in Mississippi history, a topic he enjoyed discussing. Noal loved Mississippi and her people; and
WHEREAS, after selling his brick company, Noal retired. In "retirement" he, with others, helped to found Oxford University Bank, which he supported by serving on the Board of Directors for many years; and
WHEREAS, retirement also included joining another team as he campaigned and successfully won election to the Mississippi House of Representatives. Representative Akins served two terms in the Mississippi Legislature, representing Oxford and surrounding communities. Noal often spoke of the legislative process as being an ultimate "team sport." He took great pride in finding common ground with colleagues and worked hard to gain the trust of men and women on both sides of the aisle. Noal loved the debate, collegiality and the opportunity to work to help others. He prided himself on being a voice of reason and felt a responsibility to those in our state who needed a hand because it was always "the right thing to do"; and
WHEREAS, while in his first coaching job at Walnut High School, Noal met his wife, Joyce Graham. They were married until Joyce's death in 1991; and
WHEREAS, Representative Akins leaves one daughter Nicole Boyd (Daniel); granddaughter Isabelle Boyd; grandson Speight Boyd; sisters Lillian Smith, Judy Holland (Billy Joe), Penny Daniels and brothers Mike Akins (Tammy), Randy Akins (Dot) and Terry Akins (Carol); and
WHEREAS, Representative Noal Akins was one of the most admired and respected members of the Mississippi Legislature. His public service was exemplified by fairness and sound judgment, and he set the highest standard as a leader in the Mississippi Legislature and as a colleague:
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 public service of Former Representative Noal Akins of Oxford, Mississippi, and express the deep and heartfelt sympathy of the Legislature on his passing and our thanks for sharing Noal with us and with the State of Mississippi.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Resolution be presented to the family of Representative Noal Akins and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.