William P. Trotter Sr.

Family-Placed Death Notice

WILLIAM P. TROTTER, SR. William Perry Trotter, Sr., 84, died Monday, August 23, 2004 at West Georgia Medical Center, in LaGrange, Georgia. He was a former legislator and director of the Georgia Department of Public Safety. Mr. Trotter served in the Georgia Senate two terms, 1951-2 and 1957-8 and in the Georgia House in 1959, when he was named director of Public Safety by Governor Ernest Vandiver. He served three years, before returning to private law practice in LaGrange. Mr. Trotter graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1941 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1941 and graduated from Lubbock Army Flying School in 1942. During World War II, he served as an instructor at several bases and in 1944, he flew the first C-46 Curtis Commander transports from San Francisco to New Guinea. With the 7th Combat Cargo Squadron and later with the 70th Troop Carrier Squadron, which he commanded, he participated in six Pacific campaigns from Australia to the occupation of Japan. His decorations included six Battle Stars the Air Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon. In 1946 he was discharged with the rank of major and entered the University of Georgia Law School where he earned his juris doctor degree in December 1947. Mr. Trotter began his law practice in LaGrange and was elected to Georgia Senate two years later. He served as attorney for Troup County for 10 years and was a member of the Georgia Judicial Council in 1957-8. Active in politics, he served as the Democratic National Committeeman from Georgia 1962-1971. He was one of Carl Sanders campaign managers in his successful race for governor in 1963. Mr. Trotter served in many organizations. He was life time president of the Overseas Veterans Foundation and was the organizer and first chairman of the LaGrange United Way. Active in his church, he served as Senior and Junior Warden and as Church School Superintendent for 10 years. His wife the former Julia Thomason Trotter preceded him in death. Survivors include sons, Jefferson William Trotter and his wife, Donna of Ball Ground, GA and William P. Trotter, Jr. of LaGrange; two sisters, Mrs. Virginia Slaughter of Cartersville and Mrs. Tudor Weaver of Ft. Worth, Texas, and six grandchildren, Leigh Ann Hyde, Mitchell Trotter, Brandy Ellison, Juli, Betsy and William Trotter, III. Funeral services will be held 3 P.M., Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in LaGrange. The Rev. Jim Yeary will officiate. Burial will follow in Shadowlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Mark's Memorial Fund or to LaGrange Hospice. Stiffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 is in charge of the arrangements. 706-884-8636