Patrick Alan Nunnelee (October 9, 1958 – February 6, 2015) was an American politician who was the U.S. Representative for Mississippi's 1st congressional district from 2011 until his death in 2015. Previously he served in the Mississippi State Senate, representing the 6th district, from 1995 to 2011. He was a member of the Republican Party.

Nunnelee was born in Tupelo, Mississippi on October 9, 1958. 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

See also: United States House of Representatives elections in Mississippi, 2010 § District 1

In the Republican primary for Mississippi's 1st congressional district, 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

See also: United States House of Representatives elections in Mississippi, 2012 § District 1

After redistricting, Eupora Mayor Henry Ross and businessman Robert Estes decided to challenge Nunnelee in the Republican primary. In March 2012, he won the primary (57%) defeating Ross (29%) and Estes (14%).

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

Personal life

Nunnelee married Tori Bedells, a native of Clinton, Mississippi, a graduate of University of Southern Mississippi Nursing School. They had three children: Reed, Emily and Nathan.

Death

Nunnelee underwent brain surgery at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center after the discovery of a mass on 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.

In January 2015, Nunnelee was moved into a hospice after a new inoperable brain tumor was discovered. He died at his home in Tupelo on February 6, 2015, aged 56. President Barack Obama, in an official statement from the White House Press Office, stated: "Michelle and I were saddened to learn of the passing of Representative Alan Nunnelee. Alan represented the people of his beloved Mississippi for two decades, first as a state senator and then in Congress. A proud son of Tupelo, Alan never wavered in his determination to serve the men and women who placed their trust in him, even as he bravely battled the illness that ultimately took his life. As a Sunday School teacher and a deacon at his church, Alan believed deeply in the power of faith and the strength of American families. Today, our thoughts and prayers are with Alan’s family – his wife Tori, their children and grandchildren, and all those who loved him."

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