[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 153 (Thursday, September 21, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E874]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFE OF ``COACH'' DOUGLAS WILLIAM SHANKS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MICHAEL GUEST

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 2023

  Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Douglas William 
Shanks. ``Coach'' Shanks passed away on September 4, 2023. He was a 
dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Doug was born in 
Soso, Mississippi, to Fred and Frances Shanks of Taylorsville. He grew 
up in Gulfport and Jackson, graduating from Provine High School. He 
attended Mississippi State University and later graduated from Liberty 
University.
  Beginning in his twenties, Doug was involved in politics in Jackson, 
becoming the first Republican Commissioner for the city of Jackson in 
1973. He was instrumental in the rise of the Mississippi Republican 
Party in the 1970s and helped to lead Republican causes throughout 
Jackson.
  As City Commissioner he oversaw the fire department, police 
department, and sanitation. Doug also was an important figure for the 
continuation of racial reconciliation in Jackson and across Mississippi 
through his work as Commissioner by bringing on many African Americans 
to work in different City departments.
  Shanks was also instrumental in bringing the Mets to Jackson and 
helped to establish Smith-Wills Stadium. Even greater than Doug's love 
of politics was his love and passion for baseball. Mississippi Sports 
Hall of Fame baseball coach Hill Denson said of Shanks, ``Doug loved 
baseball and he lived it. Mississippi baseball is a whole lot better 
because of Doug Shanks.'' Doug coached baseball at every level, 
coaching high school, Babe Ruth, Connie Mack and American Legion ball. 
As the head coach of Hartfield Academy, Doug won 3 MAIS baseball 
championships. Doug was also the first white head baseball coach in the 
Southwestern Athletic Conference. Doug coached Mississippi Valley State 
University for 15 years and won 5 SWAC championships.
  Doug will be missed by his family, friends and players whose lives he 
touched during his time with us. The state of Mississippi and the lives 
of many athletes, family members, and loved ones whom Doug impacted are 
forever changed. I am honored to recognize the life and legacy of Doug 
Shanks. I ask that my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives 
join me in recognizing Doug Shanks' tremendous contributions to his 
community, state, and Nation.

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