Bill Text: MS SC546 | 2014 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commend the life of Dr. B. Rowe Byers, Professor of Microbiology at UMMC.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2014-02-11 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC546 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2014-SC546-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2014 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Brown, Butler (38th), Chassaniol, Fillingane, Montgomery, Stone
Senate Concurrent Resolution 546
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY AND COMMENDING THE LIFE OF DR. B. ROWE BYERS, LONGTIME PROFESSOR OF MICROBIOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE.
WHEREAS, Dr. Benjamin Rowe Byers, Ph.D., longtime Professor of Microbiology at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, passed away on June 26, 2013. "Rowe" will be remembered as a loving and generous husband, father, grandfather, teacher and friend. As a Professor of Microbiology at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine from 1967 to 2007, he taught countless medical, dental and graduate students, most of whom still practice in the State of Mississippi. His gentle wit and wisdom will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Byers was the son of the late Reverend Andrew Byers and the late Pauline Rowe Byers of Austin, Texas. He was born in Austin, Texas, and grew up in several towns throughout Texas where his father, a Presbyterian Minister, pastored churches. He graduated from Alice High School in 1954 and then attended The University of Texas at Austin where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Zoology in 1958 and a Master of Science degree in Microbiology in 1960. After working for two years as an Industrial Bacteriologist for Fleischmann Lab in Chicago, Illinois, he returned to The University of Texas, and received a Doctorate degree in Microbiology in 1966. After a one-year post-doctoral fellowship at The University of Texas he joined the faculty of the University of Mississippi School of Medicine as an Assistant Professor in Microbiology. In 1977 he was named a full Professor of Microbiology and remained there as a tenured active faculty member until his retirement. At the time of his death, he was still Professor-Emeritus in the Department of Microbiology at University of Mississippi Medical Center. As a highly respected Research Scientist, he was the recipient of several research grants and awards, had served as a Member of the National Council, American Society for Microbiology, and was the author or co-author of numerous scientific publications regarding iron metabolism in bacteria and the relationship to disease manifestation and prevention in humans. He was still active in this endeavor and had recently served as editor of a book regarding the development of potential new drugs to treat Tuberculosis; and
WHEREAS, Rowe was always a proud and true Texan. The state flag of Texas was often seen flying over his home in Madison, Mississippi. He was the direct descendant of Reuben Hornsby, an early pioneer Texan who in 1830 built the first cabin in the area that eventually became Austin, Texas. He was proud to still own and protect what was left of the Hornsby Bend Ranch, property that includes the original family cemetery where countless ancestors, several of whom were Texas Rangers and some considered pioneer heroes in the history of Texas, lay in rest; and
WHEREAS, he was preceded in death by his brave grandson, Callaghan Byers of Jackson. Surviving him is his wife, Jo Byers, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage. Also surviving him are his sons, Dr. Michael Byers and his wife Michelle of Brandon, and Dr. Paul Byers and his wife Angela of Jackson. He was the devoted "Ro-Ro" to his grandchildren: Lindsey Kay, Chelsea Byers, Lyris Byers, Courtney Byers, Christopher Byers, and Larken Byers; as well as two great-grandchildren, Madison Kay and Audrey Kay. He was a loving uncle to Tony Palasota and Lisa Carver of Dallas, Texas; and
WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of this respected Physician and Teacher who was an example to others and who will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known his special wisdom and public dedication to his adopted State 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 pay tribute to the memory and commend the life of Dr. B. Rowe Byers, longtime Professor of Microbiology at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, and express to his surviving family our sympathy on his passing and the thanks of a grateful state for his service.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Rowe Byers, forwarded to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mississippi Medical Center and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
