PHOTO: Rep. Alan Nunnelee talks with veterans at the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. at the 2013 Miss. Gulf Coast Honor Flight.
TUPELO, Miss.–Congressman Alan Nunnelee, who died Friday after a second brain tumor, will be remembered at a funeral service in his hometown of Tupelo at 2 p.m. today. Nunnelee had just begun his third term as a U.S. Congressman. He was 56.
Flags have been ordered lowered to half staff through the end of today.
The service will be at Calvary Baptist Church. His family is asking that you make a charitable donation rather than send flowers.
Nunnelee was remembered by his colleagues and constituents as a man who believed in God, who held to his faith and who believed in serving his fellow Mississippians.
“Just a heck of a guy, just an upstanding statesmen,” said Rep. Scott Bounds (R-Neshoba County), who served with Nunnelee in the state legislature before Nunnelee waselected to U.S. Congress in 2010.
“Alan and I were at opposite ends of the political spectrum, but I always found him to be a gentleman, a patriot, a devoted public servant and a family man,” said Rep. Holland (D-Plantersville). “We shared the Public Health Chairmanships jointly for four years, and I found him principled, stoic, studious and stalwart. My heart bleeds for his wife, family and all of us who respected this outstanding public servant and model citizen.”
“Alan was a courageous man who knew what he believed in and remained steadfast in those convictions. He didn’t shift with the wind,” said Sen. Roger Wicker (R).
“A man of his word, Alan had a strong faith that guided his actions. He had a way of bringing people together on issues that affected our state and nation. He genuinely liked people and understood them. He was an excellent judge of character and had a deep compassion for the lives of average working men and women. His cheerful competence and hard work got things done.
“Alan overcame a lot of adversity, including blindness and physical illness. I fully expected him to overcome this one, too.
“He was my close my friend and confidant for 33 years. Gayle and I will truly miss him.”
“Our prayers are with U.S. Congressman Alan Nunnelee’s family,” said Miss. Speaker of the House Philip Gunn. “He was an honorable leader and our friend from Clinton. We will miss him dearly. May he rest in peace.”
“We have lost a true public servant with the passing of Alan Nunnelee, who dedicated so much of his life to improving Mississippi. I am grateful for his friendship and all he accomplished for our state. My thoughts and prayers are with Tori and the entire Nunnelee family at this sad time,” said Sen. Thad Cochran (R).
“Alan was not only a fantastic legislator, but a trusted colleague, friend, and shining example of the Mississippi values that we all hold near and dear to our hearts. My prayers go out to Alan’s wife Tori, his family, and the staff that he always treated like family. He will be missed greatly,” said Cong. Steven Palazzo (R).
“Alan Nunnelee has been like a brother to me and was one of my dearest friends and companions. I will miss him greatly. Deborah and I are praying for Tori and their children. He was the best man I’ve ever known,” said Gov. Phil Bryant.
A special election will be set to fill the seat left vacant by nunnelee. It will be a non-partisan election.
