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MCCOMB, MISS. – On Wednesday, Oct. 9, a stretch of State Route 35 located in Smith County was designated as the “Senator Billy H. Thames Memorial Highway” in honor of the long-serving Mississippi State Senator Billy H. Thames who represented parts of Smith, Jasper, Clarke, Jones and Scott counties.
The ceremony was held at the Mize First Baptist Church in Mize. Southern Transportation Commissioner Charles Busby and State Representative Mark Tullos (R – Smith) were among the distinguished guests who spoke at the dedication ceremony.
“It is with great honor and gratitude for a life well lived that we dedicate a portion of Highway 35 to Senator Billy H. Thames today,” said Commissioner Charles Busby, Southern Transportation District. “He’ll always be remembered for his dedication to serving those in need, advocating for mental healthcare, serving rural churches through music ministry and most of all, for his devotion to family.”
Sen. Billy Howard Thames was born on April 2, 1944, in rural Simpson County. Feeling drawn to serve his God and help others, he entered the realm of public service in 1980 when he was elected to the Mississippi State Senate in 1980, representing District 43. During his 28 years in the Senate, he championed mental health services, shaped agricultural policy and received numerous awards for his dedicated public service.
Thames was instrumental in passing the Mississippi Mental Health Reform Act of 1997, which enacted sweeping changes including the creation of the Crisis Intervention Center System. For this accomplishment, the Central Mississippi Crisis Intervention Complex was named in his honor as the “Senator Billy H. Thames Crisis Center.” Upon retiring from the Senate in 2008, he formed his own governmental relations company, “The Thames Advantage.”
Thames was a lover of music and sang bass for many years with the gospel quartet, “The Dixieland Quartet.” He served as minister of music in numerous churches in rural south Mississippi. He enjoyed gardening, football and grilling for his family and friends. His love for his family was immeasurable. He passed away at age 69 on September 10, 2013.
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