House Resolution 59

A RESOLUTION HONORING AND COMMENDING MR. LUTHER CUNNINGHAM "L.C." SIMS FOR HIS EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE TO THE UNITED STATES IN WORLD WAR II, AND MANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO HIS COMMUNITY.

WHEREAS, born in Tupelo, Mississippi, on May 14, 1924, Mr. Luther Cunningham "L.C." Sims was educated in the Tupelo/Lee County School District, and while attending George Washington Carver High School, he was an active member of the school's activity programs and a member of the Blue Devils football team, playing the position of center; and

WHEREAS, courageously serving his country during World War II, Mr. Sims joined the United States Army on April 7, 1943, at Camp Shelby, where he completed his basic training; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Sims served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater as a Supply Clerk, Tech. 5, with the 324s Truck Quartermaster Truck Company, supporting battles and campaigns in New Guinea and the Southern Philippines; and

WHEREAS, from these tours, Mr. Sims received the following honors and citations: the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with One Bronze Star, and the World War II Victory Medal; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Sims received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Army on February 10, 1946, and returned to Tupelo to continue his education at George Washington Carver High School; and

WHEREAS, while at George Washington Carver High School, Mr. Sims served as president of his senior class and was an active mentor of other students and served as a Scout Leader for the local Boy Scout Troop; and

WHEREAS, in May l947, after graduating from George Washington Carver High School, Mr. Sims furthered his education and attended Okolona Industrial School (Okolona Jr. College), where he graduated with a degree in Brick and Masonry; and

WHEREAS, after graduation from Okolona Industrial School, Mr. Sims returned to Tupelo to join his father in the trades as a brick mason, working both locally and in several states, and he supported the construction of many of Tupelo's landmarks, including: Reeds Department Store, the Old Woolworth Building, the U.S. Post Office, Tupelo Hardware, the Bank of Mississippi (now Cadence) and Leake and Goodlett; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Sims was married to the late Mrs. Gloria E. Rogers Sims for 70 years, and they were blessed with seven children, and he is the grandfather of nine and great-grandfather of 17; and

WHEREAS, devoted to his faith, Mr. Sims is the oldest living member of Lane Chapel United Methodist Church in Tupelo, and he is also one of the oldest living Carver High School graduates; and

WHEREAS, throughout the years, Mr. Sims has enjoyed planting and taking care of his flower and vegetable gardens, working in his yard and tool shed, as well as fishing and hunting; and

WHEREAS, additionally, Mr. Sims, a lifelong resident of Tupelo, still enjoys visiting Lake Lamar Bruce and other local lakes where he fished with his family and friends over the years, and he enjoys, immeasurably, sharing his many memories of his early years with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor great, heroic Mississippians, especially those such as Mr. Sims, whose selfless service, dedication to his family, and devotion to his faith, brings honor to the State of Mississippi and to the United States of America:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby honor and commend Mr. Luther Cunningham "L.C." Sims for his extraordinary service to the United States in World War II, and many contributions to his community, and extend our best wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Luther Cunningham "L.C." Sims, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.