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Bill Gorman Obituary
His passing bought tributes from people far and wide, including Gov. Steve Beshear; U.S. Sen Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.; and Juanita Adkins who cleans the Hazard City Hall and has taken care of Mr. Gorman's office pet parrot, Mrs. Ed, for the last 26 years.
"He was the heart of Hazard to me — I can't put it into words," said Adkins, 79, who was in tears. "He was so good to everyone and he did so much for the city."
McConnell issued a statement that noted Mr. Gorman's decades of service and said he "loved Kentucky as much as any man I have ever known."
"There was never a time that I have been with Bill ... that I wasn't greeted warmly and with a plan to work together to move Hazard forward," McConnell said.
Beshear's statement said that Mr. Gorman's "commitment to his community was unrivaled, and he will be sorely missed by the citizens of Hazard and all who knew him."
Mr. Gorman was always pushing for improvements for his city and the region, from water lines for city residents to his longtime unfilled dream of a four-year university in Eastern Kentucky.
He also was a strong supporter of mountaintop-removal coal mining, touting the potential for industry and commercial zones on the relatively flat land it created.
He was quick to defend his region. In 1994, when he didn't like a Washington Post quote about poverty in the region from Ron Eller, then director of the University of Kentucky's Appalachian Center, he dashed off a letter to then-UK President Charles Wethington that said, "Why don't you do us a favor and send the SOB to Bosnia."
Funeral arrangements were incomplete Saturday at Maggard Brothers Funeral Home in Hazard.
Memories and Condolences
for Bill Gorman
33 Entries
October 26, 2010
I did not no till about 2 weeks later
that Bill Gorman had passaway.He was a great man.He knew my father Bob Spurlock
and .I knew him to.I'am so sorry heard
of Bill's death.My Condolences To Family.Gregg Spurlock,Springfield,MO.
Chenault Woodford
October 11, 2010
I have been out of state for three months and just heard of Bill's death. I am so, so sorry. He was a great man and a good friend. I was architect for the new Perry county courthouse and worked with him closely. He will be sorely missed.
Chenault Woodford
Betty,Bill,Sallie Cook
October 11, 2010
My condolences to the family of a man that my new husband and his family have such deep respect and admiration for. I have only been to Hazard twice, but in those two trips I could see all the things Mayor Gorman had done for the city and its people. My husband and his mother knew Mr Gorman personally and is feeling his loss deeply. Bill Cook Sr. was a police officer in Hazard in the 60's and Mr Gorman supported the Police Department then. He was such an integral part of their "hometown". RIP Bill Gorman, we are glad we knew ye.
Judy Sparks
October 11, 2010
I was sorry to read that Bill had passed away. I met Bill back in the 80's here in Lexington. He came to my home after answering an ad I had for homes for pets. He sat in my floor in my livingroom, playing with a sheltie pup he wanted to buy. He was dressed so nicely, but still didn't mind sitting in my floor. I will always remember this truly wonderful person. I am sure his city will truly miss this great person.
October 11, 2010
When I was President of Ky Prince Coal Co. in the 80's, I oftened shared times with Bill discussing the future of Hazard, Perry Co. and the coal industry.I will miss him. Roger Large, Pound, VA
Steve Arnold
October 10, 2010
Blessings and prayers for the family. I knew and worked with the younger Bill at WKYT many years ago.
Steve Halbert
October 10, 2010
Bill Gorman was a true east kentuckian in every sense of the word. His love for east kentucky was sincere.
Helen Fogleman
October 10, 2010
Prayers for the family..
Guy Adams
October 10, 2010
Kentucky and Appalachia have lost a great citizen in Bill Gorman. I only met him once, but I've remembered the meeting for 30 years. Rest in peace, Bill Gorman.
Wade Lindon
October 10, 2010
Mayor Gorman was great for not only Hazard but Eastern Kentucky. Bless his family.
Diann Shuffett
October 10, 2010
I know Bill will be missed by so many. I will always hold fond memories of Bill (and Nan)during the short time I lived in Hazard. Bill was a character like one you never forget, but one that would always have your back when you needed him. Now that he is passed on, my thoughts and prayers are with Nan and the family.
James Codell
October 10, 2010
Family:
Jeanne joins me in expressing our deepest sympathy on your great loss, as we were saddened to learn of Bill's death. Bill was a wonderful individual, who was loved and respected by everyone. It was both an honor and a privilege to have the friendship of the Gorman family, as we will forever cherish many wonderful memories of Hazard's first and finest family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this extremely difficult period.
john campbell
October 10, 2010
we share with the gorman family in mourning the loss of an outstanding citizen. the family is in our prayers.
Glenna Lesondak
October 10, 2010
Mayor Bill and Nan did so much for our County and made Hazard everyone's special place to call "my hometown".
Sharon Sammons
October 10, 2010
Bill did much jor Eastern Kentucky and he will be sorely missed. He was a true friend to my mother, Snookie Meade with her dance troop. Thanks, I am deeply greatful.
Sharon Sammons, Prestonsburg, Kentucky
Johnny Strong
October 10, 2010
Hazard has lost an icon, may he rest in peace, he will be remembered by all that knew him.
E.E. Napier
October 10, 2010
Rest in peace, Mayor Bill
Oscar "BIG O. Sizemore
October 10, 2010
Will miss you Mayor Gorman!!!!
Jack Hurt
October 10, 2010
He was a gentleman in every aspect of his life. He can't be replaced.
Ivis Wright
October 10, 2010
When someone wanted something done in Hazard or for the people of Eastern Kentucky, you could always know that Bill Gorman's name was at the top of the list. I speak from experience.
Lee Hillman
October 10, 2010
Mayor Gorman was a friend to us all in Perry County. He is like a modern King Arthur and Hazard is his kingdom. He cared deeply for all of the residents and he will be sorely missed. Hazard will be the lesser from his loss. We always called our town the Queen City of the Mountain and we have lost our king.
James Phillips
October 10, 2010
Mayor Gorman always made people from out of town feel at home in Hazard! All of Eastern Kentucky will miss him.
October 10, 2010
When I was the State Highway Maintenance Foreman in Perry County, My friend mayor Gorman was always very supportive and helpful. I will always miss him. ( Wayne Brashear, Viper, Ky.)
Wanda Crain Vice
October 10, 2010
Mr Bill Gorman had a rare talent of cheerfulness. His warm smile and greeting were extended to everyone daily.I worked at the Kentucky Valley Educational Cooperative for many years and appreciated knowing this fine Kentucky citizen.
Kevin Combs
October 9, 2010
The mayor was a great person and loved his city of Hazard. It didnt matter what sport was playing; basketball, football, band,or he was always their to help and support his students at Hazard and at Perry Co. He loved to see the students of Hazard do well. I will always remember walking into city hall and you could smell his pipe that he would smoke from the first floor. He loved his city and his city will never be the same without him, he will be truly missed.
Roger Ford
October 9, 2010
I'm saddened at the passing of Hazard Mayor Bill Gormon. My good friend who exemplified so much that other public servants should strife to be...a staunch defender and positive advocate of their community. So, Mayor, from this "Duke of Hazard", I am grateful to have had the opportunity to know you, to share a laugh and good conversation, and to call you 'friend'.
James Dobyns
October 9, 2010
The last time (+/- 1994)that Jerry Eastham and I made it back to Hazard (both of us grads from HHS in 1942) we were welcomed by an old friend, Mayor Bill Gorman and wife Nan. I'll not make it again but perhaps I'll meet Bill somewhere else along the way. Wherever he may be found, he will always be a symbol of Hazard and he will be missed for at least as long as he was the Mayor!
Sherry Huff
October 9, 2010
What a nice man... was Bill Gorman.
Bobbie Deaton
October 9, 2010
Just look around and see all the great accomplishments that Mayor Bill has done. Hazard will never be the same. May you rest in peace. Bobbie Deaton
October 9, 2010
Bill Gorman was truly a remarkable man; Hazard and eastern Ky. will miss his leadership. He was the best mayor in our part of the state in my opinion. I always admired him and felt honored to be his friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones he left behind. Our loss is Heavens gain.
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