Bill Text: MS HC76 | 2014 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: John Furniss Bondurant; commend life and legacy of.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2014-03-27 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HC76 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2014-HC76-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2014 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Gunn
House Concurrent Resolution 76
(As Adopted by House and Senate)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JOHN FURNISS BONDURANT OF FOREST, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.
WHEREAS, on Saturday, December 21, 2013, the City of Forest, Mississippi, and the entire State of Mississippi sadly lost an unassuming yet highly respected son of our state with the passing, after a brief illness of John Furniss Bondurant, a modest man whose life of over 100 years truly personified the values of the Greatest Generation; and
WHEREAS, the second son of "surprise" twins born to Sidney Morgan Bondurant and his wife, Sadie Kendrick Bondurant, on September 15, 1913, John Bondurant, a native of Selma, Alabama, spent his early childhood years in Marion Junction, Alabama, before being sent to live with relatives in Marion, Alabama, when his mother died from influenza; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from high school, where he played on the state championship basketball team and served his senior class as president, John Bondurant worked the night shift in a factory to put himself through Alabama Polytechnic Institute, which later became Auburn University, and upon completing his bachelor of science degree in business in 1935, he went to work for the Firestone Tire Company before accepting a position with GMAC; and
WHEREAS, around 1940, John Bondurant, a true patriot who considered it his duty to volunteer in service to his country, enlisted in the Vicksburg unit of the Mississippi National Guard as a private but in no time was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant after the Guard was called up for a year of "active duty for training"; and
WHEREAS, shortly before the United States' entry into World War II and his anticipated deployment in 1941, John Bondurant married the love of his life, Miss Iva Dee Wiggins of Philadelphia, Mississippi, whom he had met at the Southern Hotel in Forest, Mississippi, while on a GMAC business trip covering territory in Mississippi assigned to him; and
WHEREAS, with the global war rapidly escalating abroad, it was not long after their marriage before John Bondurant was assigned to the South Pacific, where he served as an infantry officer on several islands until he was seriously injured in battle on the Philippine Island of Mindanao; and
WHEREAS, John Bondurant, decorated with the Combat Infantryman's Badge and the Bronze Star "for meritorious service in combat against enemy forces," returned stateside on a hospital ship a few weeks before the Japanese surrendered in 1945, and after being released from active duty, Mr. Bondurant went to work for the Lee Corporation managing a Chevrolet dealership in Morton, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, in 1956, John Bondurant and his family moved just down the road to make their home in the City of Forest, where he opened Automotive Wholesale Company, a successful wholesale auto parts business; and
WHEREAS, over the following years, John Bondurant became increasingly involved in his community and in civic affairs, and ultimately, his willingness to serve others and to participate in efforts to better their hometown led to his and Mrs. Bondurant's being named "Citizens of the Year" by the Forest Chamber of Commerce in honor of their many years of dedicated service to the community; and
WHEREAS, a devout Christian and longtime active member of Forest United Methodist Church, John Bondurant, fondly known by many of his fellow parishioners who knew and loved him best as "Mr. John," was always available to serve his church family in whatever way he could, including tending to the church's finances as Chairman of the Finance Committee, volunteering in the church office and organizing trips for the church's senior citizens; and
WHEREAS, John Bondurant, so aptly described by syndicated columnist, Sid Salter, as "a true American hero" and "a man of great wisdom and integrity," lived a full life spanning over a century quietly and humbly serving his fellowman without seeking recognition or gain, while always maintaining an attitude expressed by some of the last words he uttered on his last day of this life, words thanking Jesus for the many blessings in his life; and
WHEREAS, John Furniss Bondurant, whose legacy and memory lives on today in the hearts and memories of his loving family and those who knew him best, is survived and deeply missed by: his wife of over 72 years, Iva Dee Bondurant; his two sons, Dr. Sidney Bondurant and Si Morgan Bondurant; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commemorate outstanding Mississippians such as John Furniss Bondurant, whose century-long life of patriotism, commitment, hard work and faithfulness to God, family, community and country is the epitome of a life well-lived to which all citizens of our state and country may aspire:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commemorate the life and legacy of John Furniss Bondurant of Forest, Mississippi, and extend most heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mrs. Iva Dee Bondurant, Dr. Sidney Bondurant, Mr. Si Morgan Bondurant and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
