Thursday, December 1, 2011

Reaction to Governor Waller's passing

Here are some of the reactions yesterday to the passing of former Governor Bill Waller as well as the funeral arrangements:

Secretary of State Delbert Hoseman:
"Governor Bill Waller was a true statesman, leader, and friend. He took on the ‘Capital Street Gang’ and most everything else he believed was not in the best interest of the State of Mississippi and its citizens. All of us are better today because of his presence among us.”

Governor Barbour:
"Mississippians have lost a great leader who launched an era of change that continues to this day. Bill Waller began a transition from which our citizens have benefited, and his “Straight Ahead” style helped our state move forward.

“Marsha and I considered him a friend, and our sympathies go out to Carroll and their family. Of course, we have benefited directly from the Wallers’ service as they saved the Governor’s Mansion from decay and led its restoration. Today, tens of thousands of Mississippians enjoy this little jewel in downtown Jackson as will generations to come.

“I was honored to present Governor Waller with the Mississippi Medal of Service in 2009. He deserved it and more
.”

Ricky Cole, Executive Director of the Mississippi Democratic Party:
"Mississippi is much the poorer today for having lost one of our most distinguished citizens. During his tenure as governor, Bill Waller was a visionary leader with a passion for progress. He was the first governor to begin to recognize the importance of diversity in Mississippi politics and government. He saw clearly that quality public education is essential to the improvement of quality of life for all our people. He knew that Mississippi had to have a reliable, efficient and modern infrastructure in order to compete in the then-emerging global market. He was ahead of his time. Governor Waller was a fair man, and he was a man of courage. He made Mississippi a better place with his service. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Waller family, and we thank them for the legacy that Governor Waller has left for us all. He will be missed.”

Here is the press release concerning his death, life, and arrangements from the Mississippi Supreme Court:
"Former Mississippi Governor Bill Waller, 85, of Jackson, died Wednesday, Nov. 30, at St. Dominc Hospital after a short illness.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December, 3, 2011, at First Baptist Church Jackson. Visitation will be at the New Capitol from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. His body will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda.

Gov. Waller began his public service career in 1960 as District Attorney for the Seventh Judicial District, which then included Hinds, Madison, and Yazoo counties. As District Attorney, he is best remembered for his prosecution of Byron de la Beckwith for the June 12, 1963, murder of Medgar Evers. This was the first civil rights murder prosecution in Mississippi. Though the prosecution by Waller ended in two mistrials, the trial testimony of almost 60 witnesses and the introduction of more than 50 pieces of evidence were preserved. The trial transcript was crucial in the 1994 prosecution and conviction of Beckwith.

Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Bill Waller Jr. said his father’s prosecution of Beckwith inspired him to pursue a legal career. The prosecution of Beckwith “was a watershed event that moved Mississippi toward equal treatment of all people,” Chief Justice Waller said.

Waller served as Governor from 1972 to 1976. His gubernatorial campaign went against the entrenched establishment, which he referred to as the “Capital Street Gang,” and segregationist policies. He vetoed funding for the State Sovereignty Commission, ending state support for the segregationist spy agency.

Eddy Waller said his father’s motto for Mississippi was “The state of change.”

Gov. Waller was the first Mississippi governor to appoint African Americans to key positions within state government. His appointees included Jim Rundles, Dr. Vernon Holmes, Ed Cole and John Cameron, among others.

Higher education and transportation saw significant advances under his leadership. He laid the groundwork for the development of a four-lane highway system. He also attempted to develop foreign trade.

Under his leadership, schools of architecture and veterinary medicine were created at Mississippi State University, the University of Mississippi Dental School was formed and the University of Southern Mississippi polymer science program was created. Colleges became universities: Delta State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Jackson State University and Mississippi University for Women. Teacher salaries were increased. He took the first steps toward an appointed state Superintendent of Education with the appointment of Dr. Milton Baxter.

Gov. Waller entered private law practice in 1950 in Jackson. He became the senior partner in Waller, Pritchard and Fox and later, Waller and Waller Attorneys. He returned to private law practice after his term as governor, and continued representing clients until his death. He practiced law for 61 years.

Attorney Bob Waller said of his father, “He enjoyed representing the underdog and helping people receive legal representation.”

“He liked to help people,” said Don Waller, his son.
He was also an entrepreneur, with interests in the oil and gas industry.

Gov. Waller was born in Oxford, Mississippi, on October 21, 1926, to Percy Andreth Waller and Myrtle Gatewood Waller of the Burgess Community of Lafayette County, Mississippi. He graduated from University High School in Oxford, the University of Memphis and the University of Mississippi School of Law. He served in the United States Army Intelligence Corps during the Korean War.

Governor Waller was a faithful deacon and member of First Baptist Church Jackson for more than 60 years, and he was a member of the Fishers of Men Sunday School Class. He was a founding member of the Friends of Alcoholics.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carroll Overton Waller, four sons and 14 grandchildren. His children and grandchildren include: Chief Justice William L. Waller, Jr., and his wife, Charlotte, of Jackson, and their three children, Dr. William L. Waller, III, Jeannie Waller and Clayton Waller; Robert O. Waller and his wife, Margaret, of Jackson, and their six children, Joy Waller, Robert O. Waller, Jr., Madeline Waller, Millie Waller, Ava Burton Waller and Maggie Waller; Edward C. Waller, and his wife, Bae, of Jackson, and their two daughters, Emma Carroll Waller and Dannie Waller; Donald E. Waller and his wife, Yonnie, of Jackson, and their three children, Anne Overton Waller, Lucy Waller and Don Waller, Jr.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother, Emma Winter Waller, his beloved daughter, Gloria Joy Waller, and his sister, Mildred Waller Burtschell.

Honorary pallbearers are members of the Fishers of Men Sunday School Class, Deacons of First Baptist Church Jackson, former members of Governor Waller’s administration, the Weaver Gore Coffee Club, former law partners, and the Tomato Sandwich Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Gloria Joy Waller Scholarship Fund at Mississippi College
."

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

he has a nice family...that's all I will say

Anonymous said...

Gotta throw in that blurb about Evers.

If Haley Barbour wrote that comment himself, I'll eat my Mississippi Roadmap.


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Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


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Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.