MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2010 2nd Extraordinary Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Dickerson, Butler, Carmichael, Clarke, Davis, Fillingane, Hyde-Smith, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), King, Lee (35th), Montgomery, Simmons, Stone, Ward, Watson, Wilemon, Yancey

Senate Concurrent Resolution 515

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REMEMBERING THE DEDICATED LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE OF GEORGE COUNTY SHERIFF GARRY MARSHALL WELFORD WHO WAS LOST IN THE LINE OF DUTY AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE.

     WHEREAS, the Mississippi law enforcement community is mourning the death of George County Sheriff Garry Marshall Welford, who was lost in the line of duty on Wednesday, July 21, 2010.  He died courageously, putting the needs of his officers before his own; and

     WHEREAS, Sheriff Welford was a lifelong resident of George County, Mississippi, born on November 22, 1946.  He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Conflict; and

     WHEREAS, Garry served over 37 years in law enforcement as a Conservation Officer for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks and as a two-term Sheriff of George County; and

     WHEREAS, he was a dedicated member of Shady Grove Baptist Church where he was laid to rest in Shady Grove Cemetery on Monday, July 26, 2010.  Law enforcement officials formed two long rows and created an unbroken corridor for the cemetery procession from the church, crossing Mississippi Highway 26 which remained closed during the ceremony.  At the graveside service, a law enforcement color guard folded the American flag draped over Sheriff Welford's casket, and Lawrence County Sheriff Joel Thames presented the flag to the family followed by the firing of salutes; and

     WHEREAS, Garry is survived by his wife, Debbie Welford; son, Tony (Panzy) Welford; daughters, Rhonda (Shane) Evans and Gina (Jason) Hataway, all of Lucedale, Mississippi; brother, David (Mary Ann) Hawkins of Stockbridge, Georgia; uncle, Leroy (Martha) Howell, Lucedale, Mississippi; aunt, Essie Lou (Don) Hempstead, Lucedale, Mississippi; nephew, Phillip Welford, Lucedale, Mississippi; nieces, Elaine (Joey) Rogers, Lucedale, Mississippi, and Alyce (Scott) Allen, Shelbyville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Dillion and Austin Evans, and Hayden, Karlea, Brantlee, Kylan and Katelee Welford; and numerous cousins.  Garry was preceded in death by his father, Melton William Welford, mother, Vivian Marie Welford, brother, Stanley Welford, and infant sister; and

     WHEREAS, it is with great sadness that we note the passing of this "honest, stand-up law enforcement official" who leaves a legacy of law enforcement service to his community and to the 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 remember the dedicated law enforcement service of George County Sheriff Garry Marshall Welford who was lost in the line of duty on Wednesday, July 21, 2010, and extend the thanks of a grateful state for his service and our sympathy to his surviving family on his passing.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Sheriff Welford, forwarded to the George County Board of Supervisors and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.