MS SC534

Mourns the passing of Wardell Gray, a decorated World War II veteran and civil rights activist from Prentiss, Mississippi, who died on January 13, 2018.

Honors Gray as the first African-American to run for public office in Jefferson Davis County in 1959, when he ran for Constable in Beat 2.

Recognizes Gray's military service in World War II, including campaigns in Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Rhineland, and Central Europe, for which he received multiple medals.

Acknowledges Gray's civil rights activism, including his service as President of the Jefferson Davis County NAACP from 1959 to 1974 and his work with civil rights leaders such as Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Dr. Aaron Henry.

Extends the Legislature's condolences to Gray's surviving family, including two children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.