MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2023 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) McCaughn, Barnett, Branning, Butler (38th), DeBar, Jackson, Kirby, Parker
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE TO THE BEREAVED FAMILY ON THE PASSING OF FORMER STATE REPRESENTATIVE BILLY NICHOLSON OF UNION, MISSISSIPPI, AND PAYING TRIBUTE TO HIS CAREER OF PUBLIC AND CHARITABLE SERVICE.
WHEREAS, we join the residents of Union, Mississippi, and the members of the Mississippi House of Representatives District 78 and state leaders in mourning the passing of former Mississippi Representative Billy Nicholson who passed away on January 14, 2023, at the age of 74; and
WHEREAS, Billy was born February 5, 1948. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother and son, who loved his family and loved to serve the Lord. For much of his life, Billy served the Union area as the owner and Agent of State Farm Insurance, which he enjoyed dearly; and
WHEREAS, former Representative Billy Nicholson served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 2000 through 2012 representing District 78. He was known for his public service through the community; and
WHEREAS, in his lifetime of service and dedication to his community, Billy Nicholson always remained a loyal friend, who maintained strong convictions and was dedicated to treating people fairly and in a straightforward manner. With an unflinching duty to public service and a commitment to making this world a better place, Billy Nicholson will be missed by his family, friends and associates; and
WHEREAS, Billy leaves to remember his legacy, his loving wife of 56 years, Betty Nicholson; daughters, Angie Henry (Sterritt) and Jennifer Hedgepeth (George); five grandchildren, Madelyn Hedgepeth, Bailey Buckley (Hunter), Jes Henry, Nic Henry and Case Henry; two brothers, Jerry Nicholson and Clinton (Teresa) Nicholson; and special extended family: Michele Hegwood Winstead and her family: Lauren Rich (Caleb), Caleb, Mason, Bryson and Demi Shane Hegwood (Aleshia) and their family, Chandler and Hannah Grace. Mr. Nicholson is preceded in death by his parents, Holcomb and Rozell Nicholson; sister, Glenda Nicholson Hegwood, and sister-in-law, Gearline Gentry Nicholson; and
WHEREAS, Representative Nicholson felt honored to be a member of the State Legislature, where he truly enjoyed serving and took seriously the duties and responsibilities of serving the people. He loved and respected the body of the House of Representatives, its traditions, its procedures, and the camaraderie of the men and women with whom he worked and formed lasting friendships in the Capitol. Representative Nicholson was a man of strong principles and integrity who cared about doing the right thing and was very good at making government work to serve the needs of his community and the people of Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, we pay tribute and cherish fondly the memory of this most public-spirited citizen and friend of Mississippi:
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 deepest sympathy of the Legislature to the bereaved family on the passing of former Representative Billy Nicholson of Union, Mississippi, and pay tribute to his career of public and charitable service.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of former Representative Billy Nicholson and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.