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Ned McWherter Obituary
Assistant Madelyn Pritchett said McWherter had cancer and died at a Nashville hospital Monday afternoon.
A child of sharecroppers who rose to become a millionaire businessman, McWherter was governor from 1987 to 1995 after 20 years in the Legislature. As governor, he sought to put more computers in classrooms and boost teacher pay while promising honest government.
He was a member of the U.S. Postal Board after serving as governor.
His son, Mike McWherter, lost the race for governor in 2010 to Republican Bill Haslam.
Clinton says the elder McWherter played a key role in helping him carry Tennessee in his presidential elections.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
85 Entries
Lynn Dunavant
May 22, 2011
Dear Mike,
I have such kind memories of your father. I loved the way he greeted me and others. His voice was so generous and endearing. I think of you fondly and am sorry about your father's passing. Please know you and Linda are in my prayers.
Lynn Dunavant
April 13, 2011
What a Man!! Ned Ray will be greatly missed by the State of Tennessee and the Democratic party. He did so much for our state especially West Tennessee. May God continue to bless the McWherter family.
Joyce S. Banks,
Former Weakley Countian
April 12, 2011
Please accept our deepest condolences. we are very sorry to hear of the loss of Mr Mcwherter may you find much comfort from Gods word.The GOD of all comfort.(Ps.43:16)Atlanta,Ga.
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A Friend
April 12, 2011
Those we love left us gifts in the form of memories that no one can take away, wisdom that we can still recall. These are the things that we shall cherish forever. May the McWherter family continue to look to Almighty God for comfort during this difficult time. Because God is a refuge and strength, a help that is readily to be found during distresses.
April 11, 2011
God bless this family for having a man in there life Governor McWherter , for 80. Express and condolences to you all The McWherter. Queen (Memphis Tn)
Mark
April 11, 2011
I went to his home after his beloved Mother died. He thanked me warmly, then introduced me to Minnie Pearl. I was there to comfort him, yet he wanted it to be a memorable experience for me.
Kathy Matlock
April 11, 2011
WOW what a great man Ned McWherter was. I worked with the campaign and enjoyed every min. Came his son's turn I also worked, he will someday fill the same position. Ned was a true gentleman. May God bless Mike and his family during this walk of life.
Carole
April 11, 2011
There is nothing I can say that hasn’t already been said about Governor McWherter. I had the honor and privilege of working for him for 10 years. He was an effective leader, negotiator, friend, and mentor. All of us who were members of his staff were blessed to have such a great man be a part of our lives even though we feel our time with him was too short. He was so very special and will always be held in my heart with respect and love.
Robert Yoakum
April 11, 2011
As a THP Lieutenant,I had the distinct honor and pleasure to provide security and drive Governor Mc Wherter when he was in the Memphis area. He was always kind, gentle, thoughtful and a true down to earth person.
Thanks Governor McWherter for the many good memories. It was my pleasure to serve you.
Carlton Huckaby
April 10, 2011
What a great man. My god be with him and all that was blessed by him. God speed:
April 9, 2011
My sincere condolences to the family of Gov. McWherter. At our Mother's direction, several years ago, my sister and I worked locally on Gov. McWherter's campaigns. What an honor! I truly believe that he was the best Governor the State of Tennessee has ever had...a great leader and better yet, a great man. Take your rest, Ned Ray.
Dianne Murray
Bristol Tennessee
Edward Smith
April 9, 2011
Governor McWherter was a great man he often attended functions at the hotel sheraton downtown right cross the street from the capitol,mostly times when he came in the hotel he came right by my office and spoke to me and many employees of the hotel.he becme a grandfather to all of us at the hotel..
TAMMIE OLLIS
April 9, 2011
SO SORRY TO HEAR THE PASSING OF SUCH A GREAT LEADER...HE WILL TRUELY BE MISS BY MANY....
Larry Boyd
April 8, 2011
We join family & friends in mourning the passing of Governor Ned McWherter, a real Southern gentleman and outstanding governor of Tennessee. My son was born while he was our governor & I always hoped to take Michael to Nashville to have his photo made with the Governor, but never got around to it. We do have a picture of the good governor with a rocking chair made for him by cousin Jay Simmons of Van Buren County. May Jay and Ned both rest in peace and know that we appreciate their good works while they were with us.
Fred A. Hurst, M.D.
April 8, 2011
Governor McWherter was not only a great Tennessean and American, he was a genteel person and a true original soul who shall always remain a treasure to all who knew and respected him. His knowledge of Tennessee state government was legendary. His love for the Volunteer State and it's citizens was always obvious. Ned Ray was a giant of a man with an understanding and tender heart. May God rest his soul and memory and bless his family in their loss and grief.
April 8, 2011
I mourn the passing of any great leader of Tennessee, as it is my home state and my heart is still there. Governor McWherter's heart was always with our great state and he surely did the best anyone could in that position. And I'm a Republican! He was a great man no matter what our party, he stood for us righteously.
Jerry Cheatham
April 8, 2011
Gov Ned Ray McWherter was a true statesman. I believe he placed the people of Tennessee before himself in his actions in his career as Speaker and as Governor. One time at a funeral he told me that "one of the hardest things about getting old was the good friends that you loose on the way." I feel that we have all lost a good friend.
Pat Jackson
April 8, 2011
To the McWherter Family:
I pray your strength on this day. The Honorable Governor will be missed. As an educator, I knew what a factor he made. There will never be a more humble and thoughtful man as he; I will always remember when the University of Memphis constructed and built the library in his honor.
Governor McWherter will never be forgotten for his humanitarian work, pleasant personality and Godly principles.
Barbara Masters
April 8, 2011
Madelyn, You have my upmost sympathy in the loss of our beloved "Ned". I remember when I was a soda jerk in Marrtin and he would come in to eat. Always treated me special and called me Honey. Attending his inaugural balls was the high light of my life.
I always felt like he was family since Mom and Dad knew him so well.
He was a great Governor and a wonderful man. I last saw him in Memphis at the Rendevux about 20 years ago and he hugged me and meet my husband, James Masters of Gallatin. We all go back along way, you and I as little girls in Dresden. You have certainly taken good care of him all these years. We will all miss him. Sincerely, Barbara Pitts Masters.
Tandy Warwick
April 8, 2011
To The McWherter Family:
I am so sorry for your loss and pray that God wraps His arms around you and comforts you.
We were so Blessed in our Great State of Tennessee to have had Governor McWherter's leadership and goodness. I very much admired him and respected him as one of the greatest Governors we have ever been Blessed to have. He will long be remembered for all his good deeds and his great legacy. I think every one of us will remember his genuine and loving smile and his gentle spirit. God Bless you and thank you so much, Governor McWherter.
Katherine Stiegman
April 8, 2011
What a wonderful man and Governor.He will be missed by all.
April 8, 2011
To the MCWherter Family- on behalf of the Associates of Volunteer Express and Associated Companies-- our Respect and Sympathy to you--as we Enjoyed his Ownership, Mentorship, Partnership and Friendship many years with value and pride. J.B.Baker
Deborah Manning-Thomas
April 8, 2011
My sympathies to the McWherter family and to all who served with Governor Ned Ray McWherter. He was the best Governor of Tennessee during my lifetime. I was honored to sing before him on many occasions and loved how much he enjoyed the hymn "Amazing Grace". He was an amazing man and his works continue to bless us. Rest in peace, Big Ned!!
Phillip Newton
April 8, 2011
I am very saddened in hearing of McWherter passing. He was a very good Governor for the State of TN. He will be missed. My prayers are with you and your family.
Susan Dougherty
April 8, 2011
Mike, I am saddened to hear of your Dads passing. You were always so kind to my mom and I remember a fun Derby one year at the house in Prospect. We are still in Louisville so if you get here please come by and see us. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Susu Dishman Dougherty. [email protected]
Chris Hopkins
April 8, 2011
Dear McWherter Family
My prayers are with each of you during this time of bereavement. I was blessed to meet Gov. McWherter during my internship and found him to be a gentle giant.
Sol Shatz
April 7, 2011
Mike and Linda:
My deepest sympathy to you both on the loss of your father. I hope his wonderful legacy eases your sorrow.
April 7, 2011
Dear McWherter Family
I am so sorry for you loss of a great person.
Ihave the Honor of meeting Ned Ray in person in 1984 a very speacil person.
He will be missed by all who crossed passed with he and the ones who knew him personal. in every day lves.
When You Hear The Bells Ring You Will Know He Is Getting His Wings Fomr GOD
GOD BLESS YOU ALL IN YOUR LOSS
In My Deepest Sympathy
Melinda V Taylor
Nashville Tenn
April 7, 2011
Dear McWherter Family
I am so sorry for your loss of such a great person and a leader of tennessee for many years.
Back in the 1984 I got the joy and pleasant of meeting Mr. Ned Ray McWherter in person a every warm and friendly man.
He will be graetly missed by all who crossed pass with him.
Went you hear the bells ring from Heaven he is getting his wings
God Bless You All
In My Prayers In Deepest Symaphy
Melinda V Taylor
Nashville Tennessee
April 7, 2011
Our hearts go out to the McWherter family,in the past on many occasions we at the Tenn.Department of Transportation in Jackson,Tn have worked with Mr. Ned McWherter and a wonderful person he was in all respects. He will be greatly missed by all.
Sherry L. Alexander & Curtis Wilson Bldg.Mtc.T.D.O.T.
Sarah Barr Martin
April 7, 2011
It is of upmost importance the legacy you leave behind. What a tremendous legacy this man leaves us! Love for his family, his friends, his great State of Tennessee and it's employees. No one that knew him was untouched by his sincerity and generousity. Most important of all he was a Christian man and it showed it all areas of his life. The James E. Barr family expresses our profound grief in the passing of this fine man. We loved and appreciated him so very much! Our prayers of comfort for the family will continue in the months to come.
John Bratten
April 7, 2011
I met Ned only once when I buried his uncle Sam McWherter, but instanley liked this man and knew I was in the presence of Greatest. He came across just as an man reared in the country but was loved by all Tennesseans. He will be missed by all Tennesseans. John R. Braten, Jr.
David Campbell
April 7, 2011
Gov McWherter was a good man and a good neighbor . He was the best Governor this state has ever had. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word to say to everyone he met. Our prayers go out to Mike, Linda, and their familes.
April 7, 2011
Gov McWherter was the BEST that TN has in a long time. He was always friendly and fun loving. My deepest sympathy to the family!
Lynda Brewer
April 7, 2011
I was born and raised in Nashville. I can't remember a time Ned Ray wasn't in the spotlight. He was very Beloved by all.God Bless Mike and the family in this troubling time.
Mary Bruer
April 6, 2011
Ned McWherter was my mother's cousin. She was Martha Jeanne Webb (Bruer). She told us of many of their escapades in her childhood and teen years. She watched his political career and was very proud of him. Our family sends our sincere condolences to the McWherter family. Mary Bruer
Priscilla K.
April 6, 2011
Governor, our loss is heaven's gain. I bet you are coming up with ways to make heaven a better place...just like you did in Tennessee.
April 6, 2011
To the McWherter family, as I think back growing up in Nashville I always loved the McWherter family. He was a good MAN and he was very friendly. I am very sad to hear this news. God will comfort each of you during this hour. This is a total shock. I am only 36 but I truly did admire our former Governor and I have always believed Tennessee hasn't been the same without him as Governor. Shalawn D. Williams
April 6, 2011
To the McWherter Family, my prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. You have lost a Loved One and the State of of Tennessee has lost a Great One!He will be remembered as a Great Man and Governor.
Carolyn Brown Tucker
April 6, 2011
My first and enduring memory of Gov. McWherter is that he was very nice and always friendly.
Bob Allen
April 6, 2011
I do know he was the best Governor ever !
I worked as a state employee for him...he was a proud "card carrying member" of the Tennessee State Employees Association (TSEA). Anytime he had to withold a pay increase due to the economy, he always saw to it that it was made up when times got better. He cared for "the least of these", unlike a lot of the current lot of politicans.
I loved to watch him around children...they gravitated to him...with joy and excitement.
His wit, his wisdom, his leadership, his kingly manner, and common touch will be missed.
April 6, 2011
A Reminiscence
YES, thou art gone! and never more
Thy sunny smile shall gladden me;
But I may pass the old church door,
And pace the floor that covers thee.
May stand upon the cold, damp stone,
And think that, frozen, lies below
The lightest heart that I have known,
The kindest I shall ever know.
Yet, though I cannot see thee more,
'Tis still a comfort to have seen;
And though thy transient life is o'er,
'Tis sweet to think that thou hast been;
To think a soul so near divine,
Within a form so angel fair,
United to a heart like thine,
Has gladdened once our humble sphere.
By Anne Bronte
The Poetry Foundation
Anne Archer
April 6, 2011
To the McWhorter family,
You have lost a dear loved one and the people of TN have lost a GOOD friend.
I am a retired St of TN employee and for most of my service to TN he was Speaker of the house Or Governor.
I consider him one of the BEST people ever to serve this State. He was friendly to all persons. There was no distinction between the poor and the wealthy with him.
I never met him but one time. It was during a convention of The State Employees Assn. and he was our main Speaker. He commended me for a question which I asked, because he stated that it made him aware of something which he was unaware of. Most people in a position of that magnitude (Gov of the State) would not have admitted to a room full of employees serving under him that there was something going on that he was un-aware of. In Gov McWherter's case, he took note of it and late addressed it to the betterment of the State!
I hope that his family can be comforted by the fact that he was dearly loved by most people of the State, whether they belonged to his party or not.
I truly believe that he was a Good, God fearing man.
April 6, 2011
To the family of Ned Mcwherter: May you find comfort in knowing that the God of all comfort is there for you at this time.
JG, N.C.
Daniel Bullock
April 5, 2011
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Governor's family. The world would be a much better place with more people like Ned McWherter.
maurice Caver
April 5, 2011
Governor McWherter was a wise caring man, and left a mark here on earth, and will truly be missed!
Mike Hunter
April 5, 2011
A great governor and a great human being. The best person in politics I've ever known. It was a pleasure to know him. God be with you Mr. Speaker.
MARY ORDUNA
April 5, 2011
HE WAS THE BEST GOVERNOR TENNESSEE EVER HAD.HE WILL SADLY BE MISSED AND ALL OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF SUCH A WONDERFUL PERSON.hE REALLY CARED ABOUT TENNSSEE AND THE PEOPLE.WE'LL MISS YOU TERRIBLY,BUT GOD NEEDS YOU WITH HIM NOW.
Carolyn Dwyer
April 5, 2011
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
TOM 'CAT' REEDER
April 5, 2011
DEAR FAMILY...SO SORRY TO HEAR OF GOV. NED'S DEATH...I NEW HIM WHEN I LIVED IN NASHVILLE MANY YEARS AGO... MAY GOD BLESS YA'LL....ROM 'CAT' REEDER.
mike wingo
April 5, 2011
There cannot be enough good said as to this man's contribution to the lives of all us Tennesseans and to the State he so loved. He was a big man in real life and I am proud to have been a follower of his leadership. We are all diminished by his passing.
M Beard
April 5, 2011
May the God of tender mercies and the God of comfort, " 2 Cor 1 : 1-4 give you the comfort that you need in this most difficult time in your lives. - Throw your anxieties on him because He cares....
Steve Watson
April 5, 2011
A great Governor and tennessean who will long be remembered by those who knew him as legislator and governor.
Dave White
April 5, 2011
Mr. McWherter was the best governor this state has had. He was a great man, and he will be missed. My condolences go out to his family.
Pat
April 5, 2011
The people of Tennessee have lost a great man. We need more men of his caliber. He was always a wonderful friend to my husband,Tom and me. Rest in peace, Ned. May your family find comfort in the memories you have left.
Deborah Barnes
April 5, 2011
To the McWherter Family, Gov. Ned was a gentleman and a scholar. His presence will be missed by all tennesseans.
Ronald Campbell
April 5, 2011
I am attending Walters State Community College in Morristown, Tennessee. Governor McWherter, just visited here a couple months ago and he was such a gracious man and he was so inspiring in what he helped in Tennessee's Education system. May God and Tennessee bless you, you was a great blessing.
April 5, 2011
I owe Governor McWhertor a great debt. It was under his tenure as Governor that an educational program was put in place at TDoT that allowed me to return to college and attain my BS in Civil Engineering. That has made a huge difference in my career as an employee of the State of Tennessee. Thanks Governor McWhertor for your service.
Jane Jones
April 5, 2011
Governor McWherter treated me with great kindness and never thought another thing about it; but, I have thought of it often. Thank you for being such a kind man. My sympathy to your family.
Annie Jenkins
April 5, 2011
We went to Ned Nogration and took the train Float from Del Rio Tennessee and a bus load of people really nice person.Pat & Ann Overcast Is our best friends they live In Buchanan Tn he made you a walking stick Will keep the family In Prayer,
Marsha Richeson
April 5, 2011
RIP. You and Ed Murry are my state house heroes. I had 4 villa wafers and a cup of coffee in your honor this morning.
Fred Flick
April 5, 2011
Ned was a great Friend and great National Guardsman
April 5, 2011
Rest in peace Governor Ned . My prayers are with your family. BMK (Bruceton TN)
April Morgan
April 5, 2011
What a wonderful man and true Tennessean. Rest in Peace.
Jeff Reynolds
April 5, 2011
I worked with Governor McWherter when he was Speaker and served in his cabinet as his commissioner of correction. He was a special person with incredible instincts -- his gut was better than our brains. He just knew things. The state has never been better than when he was Governor.
Corinne M.
April 5, 2011
Thank you so much for the kindness you showed my young son, who is learning to love and appreciate history and our political system. Prayers to your family.
April 5, 2011
I had the distinct pleasure of being assigned to Governor McWherter's secuity when he visited the Memphis area.
He was truly a man who loved people from all walks of life. A very kind, gentle, caring, down to earth human.
Thanks Governor Mc Wherter for all the memories.
RIP my friend.
Danny Cobb
April 5, 2011
God bless you Governor! You were a great guy and the Cobb Family will miss your smile and advice. Rest in peace. Thanks for everything you have done for my family and the people of the State of Tennessee.
Lisa
April 5, 2011
RIP, Governor McWherter.
Mark Stevens
April 5, 2011
I met Gov. McWherter on a trip to Nashville more than 20 years ago when I was a journalism student at East Tennessee State University. I met him again last year when he was campaigning for his son in Erwin, Tenn., where I was publisher of the newspaper there. Ned McWherter was a great man. Despite being a Democrat, heavily Republican Northeast Tennessee voted for McWherter twice for governor -- that's when voters chose the best person for the job despite party affiliation. I think there is little doubt that McWherter will be remembered as one of Tennessee's most successful and beloved governors. I hope he's having a heavenly Vanilla Wafer right now.
David McCuiston
April 5, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Rudy McNeely
April 5, 2011
Both as House Speaker and as Governor, Ned McWherter made one proud to be a Tennessean.
Tami W
April 5, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family God Bless.
R Golay
April 5, 2011
To the the family of Ned McWherter - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Ned will be missed by many.
donna j
April 4, 2011
What a honor to have you as our gov.,many prayers sent to your family.
Bonnie Arrington
April 4, 2011
Ned ....a Great statesman, a man of fairness, compassion and love for people. He will always be remembered. He was your friend no matter what walk of life you were from. He never forgot you!
Ann Ballard
April 4, 2011
Governor McWherter was an exceptional leader of out state. We have lost a very
knowledgable person of great character. To his family I am very sorry about your loss. He was a fine person.
Pam
April 4, 2011
Governor McWherter, with his class and grace and kindness touched everyone around him. People were drawn to this great statesman like moths to a brilliant light. What a sad loss for his loved ones and the state of Tennessee.
PASTOR ROYAL BYARS
April 4, 2011
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
April 4, 2011
My condolences to the McWherter family. May the God of all comfort be with you.
Pat Schoffstoll
April 4, 2011
I lived in Nashville during both of Governor McWherters terms, and remember his service well. He was well loved for his compassion and sense of fairness. Governor McWherter did an excellent job which positively impacted the city of Nashville as it was growing into the fantastic city that it is today. He will be missed.
William L Minter
April 4, 2011
I am trully saddened that Governor McWherter has passed away. He ws trully a Great Governor that I respected and equally appreciated. He has helped me in so many ways. I will miss Governor Wherter.
William L Minter, M. Ed.
manteen williams
April 4, 2011
Thank you for a good reason to vote. GOV. Mcwherther were the first Gov. I vote for and it was a blessing. I vote for your son too. What a good man for all the peoples of Tennessee...
Michael Thrasher
April 4, 2011
Best Governor in Tennessee History
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