Bill Text: MS HR125 | 2010 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Charles W. (Charlie) Capps, Jr.; commend life, service, accomplishments and legacy upon his passing.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2010-04-29 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR125 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2010-HR125-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2010 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: The Entire Membership
House Resolution 125
(As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE LIFE, SERVICE, ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND LEGACY OF THE HONORABLE CHARLES W. (CHARLIE) CAPPS, JR., FORMER REPRESENTATIVE OF HOUSE DISTRICT 28, FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF OUTSTANDING AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE CITIZENS OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY OF THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.
WHEREAS, on Friday, December 25, 2009, the Mississippi Delta and the State of Mississippi lost one of its greatest visionary political leaders upon the passing of the gentleman, scholar, statesman and former State Representative, the distinguished gentleman who represented House District 28 for 33 years, the Honorable Charles W. (Charlie) Capps, Jr., who departed this earthly life to enter into eternal rest with his Heavenly Father, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, born in Merigold, Mississippi, on January 1, 1925, to the late Charles Wilson Capps, Sr., and Margaret Guynes Capps, Representative Capps, who held a deep affection and maintained a strong commitment to the military, enlisted in the United States Army in 1943 as a private after briefly attending Davidson College until the outbreak of World War II, and upon being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the infantry at Fort Benning, Georgia, after graduating from Officers Training School, was assigned to overseas duty in the Pacific Theater, where he served until the conflict ended, before receiving an honorable discharge as a First Lieutenant in September 1946; and
WHEREAS, an astute businessman and savvy politician, Mr. Capps was a symbolic icon for the State of Mississippi, whose name became synonymous with such institutions as Delta State University and its Bologna Performing Arts Center, the Mississippi House of Representatives and its Appropriations Committee, and the City of Cleveland; and
WHEREAS, instilled with a commitment to serve the people of the State of Mississippi after having experienced the sense of pride and gratification and after serving his country and protecting the world's diplomacy, democracy and freedom, Representative Capps personified the embodiment of an altruistic peoples' servant, as his stellar reputation in public service preceded him in political, social, civic and community circles throughout the nation from his service as Sheriff of Bolivar County to his adept ascension to prominence in the Mississippi House of Representatives after his election in 1971; and
WHEREAS, his work ethic, based on the tenets of honesty, integrity, diligence and attention to detail in performing the greater good in order to provide the greatest benefits to his constituency and the entire citizenry of Mississippi, worked in concert to promote his proven ability to lead and wrangle vast amounts of legislative powers with a velvet touch, aligning the adversarial forces of partisan politics and agendas into one unified voice; and
WHEREAS, a legend who was a zealous and dedicated pillar of humanitarianism and philanthropy, Representative Capps, who retired from his legislative service at the conclusion of the 2005 Legislative Session, was a distinguished gentleman of profound stature and respect, affectionately known throughout the Capitol and legislative arena as "Mr. Chairman" for his many years of leading the House Appropriations Committee; and
WHEREAS, a vibrant and outgoing personality whose loyalties were deeply rooted in allegiance to God, his family, religion and to his state and country, Mr. Capps, whose selflessness was a catalyst to his undaunted desire to serve others, epitomized the essence of true leadership; and
WHEREAS, equipped with an innate understanding of public service and taking great pride in his public involvement and many civic activities including his service as past President of the Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce; Cleveland Exchange Club; United Givers Fund; as Chairman of the Industrial Development Foundation; as President of Delta Area Council of Boy Scouts, for which he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award; as President of Delta Council; as Director of the Bolivar County Farm Bureau; a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars; as President of the Bolivar County Ole Miss Alumni Association; a member of the Chancellor's Trust for the University of Mississippi; as President of the House Corporation for the Mississippi Alpha; Phi Delta Theta; a member of the Mississippi Association of Independent Insurance Agents; a member of Merigold Hunting Club; and Director of the Cleveland Country Club; and
WHEREAS, untold volumes could be written about this giant of a man with the infectious, humble and genteel spirit, and yet much would remain to be told as his legacy of service, inspiration, counseling and encouragement has enriched the lives of so many countless individuals who were graced with his presence or touched with the benevolence of his kindness; and
WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life, to now stand on golden heavenly shores, the unforgettable legacy of his service to community, commitment to his fellowman and his unyielding resolve to positively unify varying and often times opposing political philosophies will continue to resonate in the lives of his survivors, all of whom will miss Mr. Capps very much, which include his three children, Alinda Capps Sledge, Margaret Capps Allen and Charlie Capps III; eight grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends; and
WHEREAS, it is with sincere humility that we recognize and commend the life, service and accomplishments of an individual of Mr. Capps' stalwart caliber, whose life, like a candle having fulfilled its durational purpose, slowly flickered to its demise, having illuminated the world with the profound impact of its radiant light of hope and inspiration by infusing its brilliance into the lives of those fortunate to have made the acquaintance of such a noble soul and whose positive impact echoes throughout the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commemorate the life, service, accomplishments and legacy of our friend and colleague, the Honorable Charles W. (Charlie) Capps, Jr., former State Representative for House District 28, for all that he has meant to the Mississippi House of Representatives and for his unmatched contributions to the people of the State of Mississippi, and express deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. Capps and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
