Clem Nettles, a former member of the Mississippi House of Reps, passed away at the age of 87 earlier this week. Nettles served as the representative for Pike and Walthall county from 1988 to 2004.
During his time in the House, Nettles served on various committees including agriculture, judiciary, appropriations, game, and fish as well as the fees and salaries committee. Clem was elected by his peers to serve on the house management committee.
Nettles’ obituary outlines several of the bills that he was an instrumental part of passing to improve his district and says that he was always able to work with members of both parties.
Clem worked tirelessly to help improve the local communities. He was instrumental in helping pass the bill that extended the state highway to southwest community college as well as helping southwest regional medical center secure its permits from the state health department for its heart center. He was also instrumental in securing the expansion of facilities at Percy Quin State Park that resulted in construction of the golf course, convention center, motel units, and tennis courts. He took great pride in assisting his constituents that had problems and needed help navigating the problems or challenges they faced with state government.
He was well respected among his legislative peers and had the ability to work with other members in both parties. He was well known for his sense of humor and his “clemisms” on the house floor.
Outside of politics, Nettles was a veteran who served in the army during the Korean War as a member of the signal corps. Also before he was elected to his seat in the House, Nettles was a retired dairy farmer. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Essie Ree Craft Nettles along with his three children and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
For Nettles’ full obituary, visit the funeral home’s website by clicking here.
