MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2013 2nd Extraordinary Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Gollott

Senate Concurrent Resolution 514

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE SINCERE CONDOLENCES OF THE LEGISLATURE OF MISSISSIPPI UPON THE DEATH OF GERALD RAY LANE AND RECOGNIZE HIS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENTS.

     WHEREAS, it is with deep regret that the Legislature of Mississippi has learned of the death of Gerald Ray "Gerry" Lane on May 3, 2013, at the age of 82; and

     WHEREAS, it is only fitting to recognize and record for posterity the unique and wonderful legacy of Gerry Lane; and

     WHEREAS, Gerry Lane was born in Red Mound, Oklahoma, on February 15, 1931, to Burl David and Bonnie Martindale Lane; and

     WHEREAS, he battled cancer for over 30 years, living life on his terms through sheer determination to keep going; and

     WHEREAS, Gerry Lane was in the automotive business for more than 60 years, a Megadealer for more than 55 years, and President of the Super Chevy Dealer Group for 23 years; and

     WHEREAS, he received hundreds of professional awards in his career, including the prestigious TIME Magazine Dealer of the Year Award, a National Lifetime Achievement Award from GMAC, District Dealer of the Year Award (four times), Better Business Bureau's Douglas Manship Sr. Torch Award for Professional Ethics, Business Report's Executive of the Year Award, Sales & Marketing Executives' Marketer of the Year Award, and the Durwood Gully Sales & Marketing Excellence Award; and

     WHEREAS, for all his philanthropic and community endeavors, Gerry Lane received numerous honors including the Golden Deeds Award, presented annually by The Advocate and the InterCivic Council of Baton Rouge; the Association of Fundraising Professionals Philanthropist of the Year Award; and the Advertising Federation of Greater Baton Rouge's E.A. "Pete" Goldsby Award; and

     WHEREAS, he was also honored with a bronze plaque in the Gerry Lane Championship Plaza at Alex Box Stadium at LSU; and

     WHEREAS, Gerry Lane was a man who was never without a smile, who believed and taught his employees that the key to selling cars was honesty and treating people right, and who believed that "the more you gave the more you got in return"; and

     WHEREAS, his philanthropic activities were legendary as on any given Saturday, children playing YMCA sports wearing T-shirts with the Gerry Lane Enterprises logo on the back can be spotted at local parks, and twice a year, TV and radio spots, and newspaper ads appear to promote the Angola Prison Rodeo, two of the causes he supported; and

     WHEREAS, together with wife, Faye; daughter, Saundra; and son, Eric, in addition to underwriting the Y's Youth Sports Programs and sponsoring the Angola Prison Rodeo, the Lane family has given more than $30 Million to various community causes such as the March of Dimes, raised thousands for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Arc of Baton Rouge and contributed to LSU's Rural Life Museum and the Krewe of Apollo's Mardi Gras Ball benefitting its HIV/AIDS Crisis Fund; and

     WHEREAS, Gerry Lane's self—stated ultimate goal was, "I wanted to try to the best of my ability to leave a history of what it takes to be a success"; and

     WHEREAS, he was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Lloyd and Bud; his sister, Velina Henderson; and son, Mark; and

     WHEREAS, Gerry Lane is survived by his wife of 55 years, Faye Rogan Lane; sons, David (Cindy) and Eric (Lisa); daughter, Saundra; one brother, Eldon Lane (Eulonda); and grandchildren:  Tyler, Ashton, Will, Jordan, Jillian, Jacqueline and Jackson Lane; and

     WHEREAS, Gerry Lane was a man whose generosity, smile, and loving heart has left an indelible mark on the many people whose lives he touched and leaves behind a rich and unique legacy of tenacity, determination, integrity, intellect, and professionalism, and though his death has created a tremendous void in his community, he will forever remain an inspiration in the minds and hearts of all who knew him:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of Gerald Ray "Gerry" Lane; do hereby recognize his outstanding achievements and singular contributions to the betterment of his community and of the State of Mississippi; do hereby record for posterity his extraordinary gifts and profound talent, his outstanding abilities, and his generosity and kindness; do hereby express appreciation for his enduring legacy that will continue as a source of pride and honor for his family and friends, his community, and the State of Mississippi; and do hereby express the deep regret of the entire state upon the loss of this extraordinary gentleman.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be transmitted to the family of Gerald Ray "Gerry" Lane and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.