Bill Text: MS HC51 | 2013 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Representative William E. "Billy" Bowles; commend life and legacy of public service upon his passing.
Sponsorship: Broadly Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2013-02-14 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HC51 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2013-HC51-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2013 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: The Entire Membership
House Concurrent Resolution 51
(As Adopted by House and Senate)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF PUBLIC SERVICE OF THE FORMER REPRESENTATIVE, HONORABLE WILLIAM EUGENE "BILLY" BOWLES, AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY, COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.
WHEREAS, "To everything there is a season, and time to every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, the Grand Architect of the universe, the Immaculate Author and Finisher of our soul's destiny, has summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, the Honorable William Eugene "Billy" Bowles, to eternal rest, as he has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family, colleagues and friends; and
WHEREAS, the Mississippi Legislature and the State of Mississippi lost a wonderful friend, colleague, community leader and enlightened lawmaker on Sunday, September 23, 2012, with the untimely demise of former Representative Bowles; and
WHEREAS, prior to his retirement in 2003, Representative Bowles served the citizens of House District 22, which includes portions of Chickasaw, Lee and Monroe Counties, for 20 years; and
WHEREAS, a resident of Houston, Mississippi, Billy graduated from Tupelo High School, Itawamba Community College and attended Mississippi State University, later to become an avid businessman as owner and operator of Bowles Grocery for 34 years; and
WHEREAS, elected to the Mississippi Legislature in 1984, Representative Bowles, who strongly believed in individual rights and the Second Amendment right to bear arms, was a champion of small business, and garnered a revered reputation for standing up during contentious floor debates to ask, "Who asked for this bill?"; and
WHEREAS, Bowles' strong leadership abilities were first recognized in 1992 when he was appointed Chairman of the Labor Committee, and in 1993, he was named Chairman of the Oil, Gas and Other Minerals Committee, in addition to having served on the Agriculture, Appropriations, Banks and Banking, County Affairs, Constitution, Executive Contingent Fund, Fees and Salaries of Public Officers, Game and Fish, Judiciary A, Judiciary B, PEER, Public Buildings, Grounds and Lands, Public Health and Welfare, Rules, Transportations and Ways and Means Committees; and
WHEREAS, Representative Bowles' litany of legislative accomplishments include Chickasaw Session Funding, the 1987 highway program, the Houston bypass and the extension of the 1987 highway program, which included the widening of Highway 15 to four lanes; and
WHEREAS, described as "the ultimate servant of the people" by former Speaker of the House Billy McCoy, who for 20 years sat on the same row in the House Chamber, Representative Bowles' congenial nature, constructive attitude and forthright manner resonated with a positive influence on all those who had the pleasure of working with the highly respected member who strongly believed in employment and supported lignite mining which created job opportunities in District 22; and
WHEREAS, one who relied heavily upon his faith, Representative Bowles remained devout in his Christian service and patronage throughout his life, reflecting his passion for God through his commitment to assisting others and his Christ-like care and concern for the building of the kingdom; and
WHEREAS, in his transfiguration from mortality to immortality, he now awaits, in holy anticipation, the wondrous event of the bridegroom's return, as it is written in the Book of Revelation 21:1-2 -- "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I, John, saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband"; and
WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to reunite with those who answered God's summons to life eternal and now beckons his arrival to the celestial shores of heaven's grandeur, the legacy of Representative Bowles' memory, which if put to music would be a majestic symphonic masterpiece composed by the Holy Trinity, will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his beloved survivors: wife, Ruby Kate Woolridge Bowles; sons, Steve (Jane) Pearson and Mike (Deedie) Pearson; brother, Harry Bowles; six grandchildren, Jay, Lauren, Patrick Pearson, Merryclaire, Jeenna Leigh and Will; four great-grandchildren, Ella Cate, Jackson, Eli and Embry; and a host of other relatives, colleagues and friends; and
WHEREAS, Representative Bowles was a solemn voice of reason, and it is the policy of this Legislature to acknowledge the selfless humanitarianism of an individual of his esteemed caliber whose public service was exemplified by fairness and sound judgment, and who set the highest standards as a leader in the Mississippi House of Representatives and as a true friend:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the life and legacy of public service of the Honorable William Eugene "Billy" Bowles, to whose family we express sincere and deep sympathy upon his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Representative Billy Bowles and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
