[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 53 (Thursday, March 29, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E384]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING JOE TROTTER DOCKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2018

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable public servant, Mr. Joe Trotter Dockins who was born in 
Starkville, Mississippi on July 5, 1930 to the late Mr. and Mrs. Mathew 
and Mary Frances Dockins. He was married to the late Mrs. Odelle D. 
Dockins for 54 years and from that union they had two children; a son, 
Metric and a daughter, JoAndrea.
  At the young age of 5, Mr. Dockins grew up working in his parents' 
grocery store that stayed in business thirty seven years. He received 
Christ early in life at Griffin United Methodist Church in Starkville, 
Mississippi. In his younger years, he participated in the Boy Scouts of 
America in his hometown. Although he never achieved the honor of being 
an Eagle Scout, his involvement and support in scouting has continued 
throughout his career.
  While growing up in Starkville, he received his high school diploma 
from Oktibbeha County Training School, formerly Henderson High School 
and since integration it is now Henderson Junior High School. He 
graduated with honors with a B.S. Degree in Economics from Alcorn 
College, now known as Alcorn State University in May 1953. Mr. Dockins 
further studied at Prairie View A&M University in 1953, in Prairie 
View, Texas and the University of Wisconsin in 1964, Madison, Wisconsin 
in the field of Human Development and Interpersonal Relationship.
  Mr. Dockins began working for the Mississippi Agriculture Extension 
Services from 1954 to 1965 as an Associate County Agent in Louisville, 
Mississippi. Afterwards, he worked with the Farmers Home Administration 
as an Assistant County Supervisor from 1965 to 1981. His last 
assignment came as a result of being a County Supervisor from 1981 to 
1987. After thirty-three years of dedicated service he decided to 
retire in 1987 and afterwards received his 25th and 30th years of 
service tenure awards as a Federal Employee. Joe began a new career in 
1989 with the Mississippi Action for Progress as Director of Personnel 
and later was reassigned as Safety Coordinator. He stayed with 
Mississippi Action for Progress until 2006 and made the decision to 
retire a second time.
  Mr. Dockins became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. on 
December 16, 1950 at Alcorn State University. After graduation, he 
became active with Beta Alpha Chapter, in Jackson, Mississippi where he 
served in several positions which included Basileus from 1977 to 79. He 
was District Marshal for the 7th District Meeting held in Jackson, 
Mississippi in 1984; served as Mississippi State Representative from 
1989 to 1993 and past member of the 7th District Council. In 1976, he 
received a plaque as ``Man of the Year'' for assisting in securing a 
Fraternity House and he received his 40th, 50th and 60th year 
membership pin from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. In 2016, he received 
a Certificate of Life Membership and was inducted into the Mississippi 
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Hall of Fame.
  Mr. Dockins is a member of the current and past organizations:
  The Alcorn Alumni Club and served as President of the Jackson Chapter 
from 1986 to 1989;
  Coordinator of the Monday Evening Club of Jackson, MS;
  Past member of the Mississippi Farmers Home Administration Minority 
Employees Association;
  Past member of Phi Delta Kappa, a professional fraternity in 
education;
  He serves on the Board of Directors of Central Mississippi Health 
Services, Inc.;
  Past member of the Board of Directors of the Wesley Foundation-Alcorn 
State University;
  Past member of Mission Mississippi;
  Served on the Boy Scouts of America, Andrew Jackson Council.
  Mr. Dockins became a member of Central United Methodist Church in 
1966. He served as President of Central United Methodist Men from 1977 
to 1993, Finance Committee Chairperson from 1985 to 1987, past Vice-
President of the Usher Board, served on the Pastor Parish Relations 
Committee and a former Lay Leader. He continues to be a member of the 
Finance Committee and Usher Board.
  Mr. Dockins' life has been fulfilling due to all of his 
accomplishments. He continues to be an active and supportive member in 
his church and community. Mr. Dockins is an inspiration to all that 
cross his path.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to Join me in recognizing Mr. Joe 
Trotter Dockins for his dedication to serving.

                          ____________________