MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2011 1st Extraordinary Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Brown, Dearing, Burton, Albritton, Baria, Blount, Browning, Bryan, Butler (36th), Butler (38th), Carmichael, Chassaniol, Clarke, Collins, Davis, Dawkins, Dickerson, Fillingane, Flowers, Frazier, Gollott, Harden, Hewes, Hopson, Horhn, Hudson, Hyde-Smith, Jackson (11th), Jackson (15th), Jackson (32nd), Jones, Jordan, King, Kirby, Lee (35th), Lee (47th), McDaniel, Mettetal, Michel, Moffatt, Montgomery, Powell, Simmons, Simmons (12th), Stone, Tollison, Turner, Ward, Watson, Wilemon, Yancey

Senate Concurrent Resolution 501

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMENDING THE LIFE AND PUBLIC SERVICE OF SENATOR CARL J. "JACK" GORDON, JR., OF OKOLONA, MISSISSIPPI, MASTER OF THE STATE BUDGET, AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE.

     WHEREAS, the Legislature and the State of Mississippi lost a wonderful friend, colleague, gentleman, Capitol icon and enlightened lawmaker with the death of State Senator Carl J. "Jack" Gordon, Jr., 66, on Saturday, May 7, 2011.  State flags flew at half-staff in Mississippi on May 9-10, 2011, a fitting tribute to Senator Gordon's outstanding service to his state.  Jack was a master of the state's budget; and

     WHEREAS, as the second longest-serving legislator, he served 36 years, 8 in the House of Representatives and 28 in the State Senate.  He was honored to serve under the leadership of 8 Governors.  Gordon was elected to the House in 1971 and was elected to the Senate in 1979.  He chaired the Senate Appropriations Committee from 1988-1992 and again from 2000-2008.  He served as Chairman of Appropriations; Education; Fees, Salaries and Administration; and Public Property Committees.  From those positions, he was able to champion his priorities of education and mental health.  His contributions to improvements in those areas have been significant; and

     WHEREAS, with a heart for education, he helped mold the 1982 Education Reform Act, providing public kindergartens, and was instrumental in improving Mississippi's community colleges and universities.  Dedicated to community-based services, he helped establish mental health group homes and crisis prevention centers around the state.  He was a champion of the home health services industry.  Improving Mississippi's transportation system and those who protect our roads was also a passion.  In 1981, he was appointed to the Southern Regional Education Board where he was currently serving as Treasurer; and

     WHEREAS, a longtime businessman, he owned Polyfoam Manufacturing, Tupelo Oil, Bessemer Petroleum and various Real Estate properties.  He was a member of the Okolona Chamber of Commerce, the Houston Exchange Club and the Chickasaw Development Foundation.  He was a lifelong member of Okolona First Baptist Church; and

     WHEREAS, a graduate of Mississippi State University, he loved the Bulldogs, enjoying sports and supporting academics.  In March 2011, he was honored with the Jack Gordon Scholarship to provide an opportunity for students to attend Mississippi State; and

     WHEREAS, he loved his family and enjoyed campaigning, visiting the beach and riding around his farmland.  Living life to the fullest with a quick joke, flashing smile and heart of gold, he gave life character and determination to his family and friends.  He will be remembered for his charitable heart; and

     WHEREAS, survivors include his wife of 43 years, Martha Estes Gordon; three daughters, Natalie Rutledge (Ed) of Atlanta, Georgia, Kim Gordon of Houston, Mississippi, and Leigh Carole Mullins (Brian) of Oxford, Mississippi; one brother, Ted Gordon (Virginia) of Tupelo, Mississippi; and five grandchildren, Beau Alison, Ann Marie Alison, Will Rutledge, Rex Brown and John Harris Rutledge.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carl J. Gordon; and one sister, Jeanie Gordon Mitchell of Aberdeen, Mississippi; and

     WHEREAS, Jack Gordon loved life, laughter and the Legislature.  His long service was marked by his commitment to success and recognized leadership.  He excelled in a variety of major responsibilities and served the Senate, his constituents and the State of Mississippi exceptionally well.  Jack's public service was exemplified by fairness and sound judgment, and he set the highest standard as leader in the Mississippi Senate and as a true friend:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the life and legacy of public service of Senator Carl J. "Jack" Gordon, Jr., of Okolona, Mississippi, and express to his family the sympathy of the Legislature on his passing and our thanks for sharing Jack with us and with the State of Mississippi.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Senator Jack Gordon and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.