MS SC658

Mourns the death of Wayne Sims "Joe" Rutherford, a prominent Mississippi journalist who passed away on December 26, 2017, at age 69.

Recognizes Rutherford's 44-year career with the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, serving primarily as Editorial Page Editor from the early 1980s until his retirement at the end of 2016.

Acknowledges his influential editorials on education, transportation, and other critical issues that shaped public policy debates at local, regional, and state levels.

Honors his legacy as a mentor to young journalists, devoted member of First Presbyterian Church in Tupelo, Eagle Scout, and institutional memory of the Daily Journal and Northeast Mississippi community.

Extends the Legislature's condolences to his surviving family members and directs the resolution be presented to his family and the Tupelo Daily Journal.