Pictured left to right: Rep. Keith Jackson, Constable Sam Tisdale, Jr., Mississippi Transportation Commission Chairman Willie Simmons, Sen. Rod Hickman.
Officials joined Mississippi Transportation Commission Chairman Willie Simmons today to dedicate a segment of State Route 16 in Kemper County as the Samuel Tisdale, Sr. Memorial Highway.
The ceremony took place at the Kemper County Courthouse Annex in De Kalb and comes after Senate Bill 2643 passed in the 2026 Session of the Mississippi Legislature, officially designating a one-mile segment of SR 16 in Kemper County as the Samuel Tisdale, Sr. Memorial Highway.
“What a privilege it is to join friends, family and the citizens of Kemper County in honoring the life and legacy of Samuel Tisdale, Sr.,” said Commissioner Simmons. “We are further ensuring that his name and the contributions he made to his family, community and the people of Mississippi will never be forgotten.”
Samuel Tisdale, Sr. was born October 9, 1952, to Robert Cole and Wavis Tisdale in Kemper County. He was a veteran who served his country in the U.S. Army through the Mississippi National Guard, completing several tours of duty overseas.
In 1998, he became the first African American elected Sheriff in Kemper County. He later answered his call to ministry and served as pastor of New Shiloh Baptist Church in Shuqualak, Noxubee County, for many years.
Samuel Tisdale, Sr. leaves behind a legacy of faith, service and dedication to his family and community. His life’s journey, marked by his love for Christ and his commitment to serving others, will forever be remembered and cherished by all whose lives he touched.
“This is more than naming a portion of SR 16. This is a lasting tribute to a man whose life had a meaningful impact on many people here today,” said Commissioner Simmons. “May all who travel this stretch of highway be reminded of his legacy and the love he had for his community.”
For more information, visit GoMDOT.com.