Alan Nunnelee

Early life, education, and business career

Nunnelee was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. Nunnelee graduated from Clinton High School in Clinton, Mississippi, in 1976 and then attended Mississippi State University (MSU), graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1980. While a student at MSU, he lost much of his eyesight to a degenerative eye disease. Although legally blind he continued his studies. His sight was restored after receiving cornea transplants.

Nunnelee was employed by American Funeral Assurance Co., eventually becoming vice president of sales and marketing. His father was also employed by the company, rising to president and CEO. In 1996, Nunnelee and his father founded Allied Funeral Associates, Inc. and Allied Funeral Associates Insurance Company and he has served as Vice-President and Director of both entities.

Before beginning his political career he was a popular speaker, crediting God, organ donors, and organizations such as the Lions Club for having his eyesight restored.

Mississippi Senate

Elections

In 1995, incumbent Republican State Senator Roger Wicker of the 6th district resigned in order to take up a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Nunnelee ran and won. In 1999, he won re-election to a second term unopposed. In 2003, he won re-election to a third term with 69% of the vote. In 2007, he won re-election to a fourth term with 66% of the vote.

Committee assignments

• Senate Committee on Appropriations

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

2010

In the Republican primary for , Wicker's old congressional seat, Nunnelee (52%) defeated Henry Ross (33%) and Angela McGlowan (15%). In the November 2010 general election, Nunnelee defeated Democratic incumbent U.S. Congressman Travis Childers 55%-41%.

2012

After redistricting, Eupora Mayor Henry Ross and businessman Robert Estes ran against Nunnelee in the Republican primary. Nunnelee won the March 2012 primary with 57% of the vote. Ross received 29% and Estes 14%.

2014

Nunnelee ran for re-election in 2014. He was the only Congressman in Mississippi who did not face a primary opponent in 2014.

Nunnelee won the general election with 68% of the vote.

Tenure

In 2011, Nunnelee became a co-sponsor of Bill H.R.3261 otherwise known as the Stop Online Piracy Act.

Committee assignments

• Committee on Appropriations
  • Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
  • Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development
  • Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies

Caucus memberships

• Congressional Diabetes Caucus
• Congressional Prayer Caucus
• Immigration Reform Caucus
• International Conservation Caucus
• Sportsmen's Caucus
• Congressional Cement Caucus
• Congressional Constitution Caucus

Personal life

Nunnelee was a Southern Baptist. He married Tori Bedells, a native of Clinton, Mississippi, a graduate of University of Southern Mississippi Nursing School. They had three children.

Death

Nunnelee underwent brain surgery at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center after the discovery of a mass in his brain in May 2014. He was brought to TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital and later Johns Hopkins Hospital to undergo chemotherapy and radiation and receive therapy to restore his speech and mobility on the left side of his body.

Nunnelee died at his home in Tupelo on February 6, 2015, aged 56.

The funeral services were held on February 9 in Calvary Baptist Church, Tupelo, Mississippi.

References

References

1. "VoteSmart.org". Project Vote Smart.
2. (February 6, 2015). "Alan Nunnelee, Mississippi congressman, dies at 56". The Clarion-Ledger.
3. (October 2018). "BeatriceDailySun".
4. "Our Campaigns – MS State Senate 06 Race – November 2, 1999".
5. "Our Campaigns – MS State Senate 06 Race – November 4, 2003".
6. "Our Campaigns – MS State Senate 06 Race – November 6, 2007".
7. [http://commercialappeal.com/news/2008/jan/12/desoto-senators-land-plum-posts/ Memphis Commercial Appeal] {{webarchive. link. (July 18, 2011 , January 12, 2008.)
8. "Our Campaigns – MS District 1 – R Primary Race – June 1, 2010".
9. "Our Campaigns – MS – District 01 Race – November 2, 2010".
10. "2014 Election Results Senate: Live Map by State, Midterm Races Races". POLITICO.
11. "Our Campaigns – MS District 01 – R Primary Race – March 13, 2012".
12. (March 1, 2014). "Political buzz: Alan Nunnelee lone Mississippi congressman without a party primary". The Mississippi Press.
13. "Mississippi Secretary of State June 3, 2014". Mississippi Secretary of State.
14. (2014-11-04). "Mississippi General Election 2014". Mississippi Secretary of State.
15. [http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h112-3261 Bill H.R.3261]; GovTrack.us; accessed February 6, 2015.
16. "Members". Congressional Constitution Caucus.
17. Long, Robert Lee. (May 26, 2010). "Alan Nunnelee wants to serve First District". Desoto Times Tribune.
18. (July 1, 2014). "Nunnelee to undergo chemotherapy". [[Hattiesburg American]].
19. (July 30, 2014). "Rep. Nunnelee plans return to D.C. following brain surgery". [[The Clarion-Ledger]].
20. "USAToday".
21. (February 6, 2015). "WhiteHouse.gov".
22. "Nunnelee.house.gov".