Bill Text: MS HC108 | 2016 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Sheriff Joel Rayford Thames; commend life and legacy of service upon his passing.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 3-1)
Status: (Passed) 2016-04-08 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HC108 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2016-HC108-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Evans (91st), Currie, Mangold, Morgan
House Concurrent Resolution 108
(As Adopted by House and Senate)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF SERVICE OF SHERIFF JOEL RAYFORD THAMES UPON HIS PASSING.
WHEREAS, Joel Rayford Thames, 58, departed this earthly life on Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at home in Lawrence County, Mississippi, to begin eternal life with his heavenly father while yet bringing great sorrow and sense of loss to his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Thames' life was suffused by a great and enduring love for his family and deep commitment to and love for his God, his country, his community and the Ole Miss Rebels, all of which he shared with others in unique ways; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Thames, during a lifetime of law enforcement, was the longest-tenured Sheriff of Lawrence County, Mississippi, having served four consecutive terms beginning in 2000 and ending in 2015, and during that span, having been recognized and honored by his peers when elected by them as President of the Mississippi Sheriffs' Association; and
WHEREAS, prior to his honorable tenure as Lawrence County Sheriff, he served with distinction in the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks as a Game Warden for 14 years and as a Lawrence County Deputy Sheriff; and
WHEREAS, during Mr. Thames' noteworthy law enforcement career, he did his utmost to make Lawrence County a better place for its citizens by enforcing the law yet tempering that enforcement with his recognition that sometimes the law is best served by offering a second chance; and
WHEREAS, though Mr. Thames has completed his earthly journey and now stands on Heaven's golden streets, the legacy of his life will continue to live and echo in the hearts and lives of his beloved wife Tammy, sons Landon and Logan, along with a host of friends and acquaintances whose lives he touched and for whom he deeply cared; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend the life of such a remarkable individual as Joel Rayford Thames, and it is with sadness that we note the passing of this respected citizen, husband and father who leaves behind such a rich legacy of selfless service to his state and to his community, and say to him and to his family "thank you":
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life and legacy of Joel Rayford Thames, the longest-serving sheriff in the history of Lawrence County, Mississippi, and extend 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 Joel Rayford Thames, the Mississippi Sheriffs' Association and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
