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William Justice Obituary

His destiny was all in a name. "Judge Justice." William Wayne Justice was a giant in Texas history, the foreman of an audacious legal assembly line that churned out bulging packages of civil rights, equal justice and opportunities for the least among us. Justice, a soft-spoken federal judge who roared in his class action rulings on human rights over the past 41 years, died Tuesday in Austin, sources close to the family told the Tyler Morning Telegraph. He was 89 and was still serving as a U.S. district judge in Austin, although illness had kept him out of the office for months. Justice was a legend in his own time. The very mention of his made-for-Hollywood name could turn state officials and conservative taxpayers red with anger but melt the hearts of reform advocates fighting to better the lives of overlooked people who had no clout. People either thought "Judge Justice" was an oxymoron or simply redundant. But today, most agree that William Wayne Justice shoved Texas, against its will, into the mainstream of society. His legal compassion forever changed the lives of millions of schoolchildren, prisoners, minorities, immigrants and people with disabilities in Texas. He ordered the integration of public schools and public housing. He outlawed crowding, beatings and inhumane medical care in prisons and youth lockups. He ordered that community homes be provided to people with mental disabilities who were living in large institutions. He expanded voting opportunities. And that was just the tip of the docket. Justice also changed the landscape of public education. He ordered education for undocumented immigrant children and bilingual classrooms. And, back in the nonconformist hippie days of 1970, he ruled that bearded and long-haired students, including Vietnam veterans, had a right to attend public college. "I held that that was silly," he said in June 2009 while reminiscing about the old Tyler Junior College rule forbidding long hair on male students. Some of the class action cases, many of which were the largest institutional reform lawsuits in America, dragged on for decades and outlasted a long string of Texas governors, lawyers and even some of the original plaintiffs. All the while, the genteel and courtly judge slept easily at night and always kept his number listed in the public telephone directory in the conservative East Texas town of Tyler, where he served for 30 years before moving to Austin's federal court in 1998 to be closer to his daughter. He chose to ignore the many death threats, mountains of hate mail and cold shoulders from strangers and close neighbors alike. He recently recalled walking into a Tyler gas station after striking down the long-hair ban. "The place went silent," he said, and the old-timers stared into their coffee cups. It was just another daily snub for a man who challenged people's prejudices. One of the coffee drinkers looked out the window, saw a couple of long-haired young men and said, "They ought to be in the penitentiary." William Wayne Justice was "perhaps the single most influential agent for change in 20th-century Texas history," according to his official biographer, Frank Kemerer, who was a professor at the University of North Texas for almost 30 years. "Through a series of momentous judicial decisions, his influence would sweep across the Texas landscape far beyond the geographic boundaries of his court and out into the nation," he wrote in "William Wayne Justice: A Judicial Biography" (University of Texas Press). Justice was at the top of the list of so-called activist judges who, as a general group, are often accused by former President George W. Bush and other legal conservatives of interpreting the U.S. Constitution too expansively. But Justice took to heart a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 1958 that, in essence, the Constitution and its amendments are "not static" and must draw "meaning from the evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society." "I was never underprivileged, but I have human feelings. If you see someone in distress, well, you want to help them if you can," Justice told the American-Statesman in 2006. "I hope people remember me for someone trying to do justice. That's what I've tried to do." The late Barbara Jordan, the first black woman from the South to serve in the U.S. Congress when she was elected from Texas in 1972, once said Justice "helped officials in Texas state government see their duty clearly." It may be difficult for Texas newcomers or younger generations to picture the slight, humble man with the lopsided grin who worked out regularly at the YMCA as someone who once was so despised by many Texans that bumper stickers called him the "most hated man in Texas." Thirty of his more than 40 years as a federal judge were spent in Tyler, where more than 10,000 of the 65,000 residents signed a petition to try to have him impeached. Repair people refused to work on his home, and when he entered a restaurant, other patrons walked out. But today's 21st-century Texas is different from the segregation and close-minded thinking that pervaded the state in 1968, when President Lyndon Johnson appointed Justice to the federal bench in East Texas, where the judge was born and raised. Justice's courtroom in Tyler was just 35 miles from the smaller and more liberal town of Athens, where he was born on Feb. 25, 1920. Justice's father had been a flamboyant and highly successful criminal lawyer in Athens who added his son's name to the law office door when the boy was only 7. William Wayne Justice, a lifelong bookworm and sports enthusiast, knew he wanted to be a lawyer. He attended undergraduate school at the University of Texas and graduated from its law school in early 1942. He then served nearly four years in the Army during World War II, ending up in India as a first lieutenant. He practiced law with his father during the 1940s and 1950s. He was swept off his feet in the mid-1940s by a beautiful young woman named Sue Rowan, who became his wife on March 16, 1947. They had one child, Ellen, who lives in Austin with her husband. While practicing law, Justice served two terms in the part-time position of Athens city attorney. Both Wayne and Sue Justice became active in Democratic politics and befriended the late U.S. senator from Texas, liberal Ralph Yarborough. In 1961, Justice was named U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Texas. He was reappointed in 1966. By the time Justice was sworn in as a federal judge two years later, he had amassed broad experience in the courtroom. Though he had never been the victim of discrimination or deprivation, he had been introduced to the downtrodden world and woes of the have-nots through his legal work, his parents' guidance and the views of his humanitarian wife. In addition, a series of childhood illnesses that he overcame, such as chronic whooping cough, had given him valuable insight into the suffering of the underdog. "It's when you're weak like that, you get picked on, and I guess that's where I developed an attitude where I can understand the people that are oppressed," he told the American-Statesman in 2006. Justice's ascension to the federal bench came at a time of social revolution and upheaval in America, and he was ready. It didn't take long for him to begin roiling the status quo in rulings that were received like bombshells from the bench. He threw himself into one of the early cases filed in his court, the dispute about whether Tyler Junior College could require male students to have short hair, trimmed mustaches and no beards to ensure a peaceful campus. "Unconstitutional," Justice quickly ruled. The best and worst of men throughout history sported hairstyles popular in their day, he said. Further, he noted, nearly every delegate to the Constitutional Convention would have be

Published by Austin American-Statesman from Oct. 14 to Oct. 29, 2009.
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Memories and Condolences
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We remember Wayne as one of our favorite relatives, who was kind and always a great listener. He would find out where your hobbies and interests were centered and steer the conversation in that direction. He will always be in the Justice family hearts.

Neal Justice

June 22, 2016

He was a perfect example of what God's Human Being is suppose to be like.

Herbert Mansour

November 4, 2009

I knew him just a short while, but was deeply inspired by his wit and integrity. His passing is an incredible loss to us all.

Alicia Reinmund-Martinez

November 1, 2009

The Lopez family will forever have Judge Justice in their hearts. We are part of the "Doe" family in the Plyler v Doe case. We are forever greatful. Our prayers are with you during this time and always.

Alfredo Lopez

October 21, 2009

He's going to have an honor escort of undocumented Latino baby angels welcoming him at the pearly gates.

Andre Guerrero

October 20, 2009

Thank God for William Wayne Justice, the greatest single legal conscience of all time. I know in my heart that history will regard him as the Abraham Lincoln of his time. Reviled for the sweeping changes he made in the face of a hundred years of societally accepted inhumanity and wrongdoing, Judge Justice put an end to the literal and figurative practices of slavery and tyranny in modern times- standing alone against millions, never wavering in his purpose, distilling inalienable rights into law with courage and clarity not witnessed in deeds since those of Lincoln himself.

Rick Branch

October 20, 2009

Good man.Brave man. My condolences to his family. Que vaya con Dios!

john kruse

October 19, 2009

Sue and family you are in our thoughts and prayers. Having know Judge Justice for many years in Henderson County and later in the courts, I can say he was truly a kind man and a Judge that knew and followed the Constitution. It is too bad that more people didn't have a chance to know him.

Glenda & Joe Don Shelton

October 19, 2009

..."Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Matt. 7:34

Upon this quote, Judge would end the work day.

I feel privileged and honored to have worked for such a man as he who truly believed in doing the "right thing."

My deepest sympathy to the family.

Evelyn Armstrong

October 19, 2009

A man who felt the full burden of judicial responsibility and dispensed it with aplomb. "With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in..." Judge Justice carried out the charge given to us by our 16th President as few other jurists have.

Diego Taylor

October 19, 2009

I had the honor to hear, meet, and dine with His Honor while I was enrolled at Texas Tech Law School. The year was 1986. He was a genuinely good man with a good heart who had a keen sense of justice for all.

Roger Nichols

October 19, 2009

An incredible story of courage. A true leader.

David Kobierowski

October 19, 2009

A few years after graduation, I was privileged to meet Judge Justice at a CU Law School "Constitutional Law" seminar. A true hero to anyone who sees the Constitution as a curb on money and power. His voice will always be remembered and his wisdom venerated.

Jim Rogers

October 19, 2009

Charley White

October 18, 2009

Judge Justice embodied his name with courage and determination. His passing is a significant loss to the jurisprudence of Texas.
With deep regret and respect,
Judge & Mrs. Robert O'Conor, Jr.

October 18, 2009

A very courageous man who took the intent of the Constitution seriously.

Bill McAfee

October 18, 2009

Well done, good and faithful servant.

Dave Shapiro

October 18, 2009

Judge Justice was the finest example of judicial and social integrity that I ever met. He was a Judge that had the uncanny ability to follow the dictates of the constitution to their just conclusions again and again. He was possessed with a great self-confidence that allowed him to admit an error of ruling and change it if appropriate.I had never seen a federal judge admit error and correct an erroneous ruling of law until I tried a case before his court.The memory of the best named judge in Texas history will always shine a light in my heart.

JIm Heidelberg

October 18, 2009

It was a pleasure and a privilege to hear some of your stories, Judge. You are a hero to so many. May God bless you and your family.

- Kirk Wilson, Austin, Texas

October 16, 2009

I've always admired William Wayne Justice for standing up for what's right and decent. What a surprise and pleasure it was to meet him at the Y and hear a few of his personal stories. He was a marvelous story teller and a wry wit. We miss him already. 89 years wasn't long enough for such a man.

Donna Johnson
Austin, Tx

October 16, 2009

As a Black girl growing up in Tyler in the 1970s I remember all of the wrongs that Judge Justice tried to make right. I watched his decisions over the years and he was a man that had integrity and stood for justice. May God give his family peace and comfort. May God gives us another judge that will walk the path of righteousness. I am thankful that he lived in my life time.

Patricia Bradley

October 16, 2009

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Manuel Serratos

October 16, 2009

A true Texan hero and a great man.

Nancy Fay

October 15, 2009

A fine gentleman and a courageous jurist, Judge Justice will always be admired and respected by all who were fortunate enough to have practiced in his court.

Kelly Ireland

October 15, 2009

Thank you, Judge Justice, for making a difference in the lives of so many.

John McLane

October 15, 2009

Judge Justice was a giant among legal legends. He was a credit to the judiciary and the legal profession. His reputation for courage, fairness and courtesy to litigants and counsel, adherence to the rule of law was and is exemplary.
I met Judge and Mrs Justice in 1961. I was a freshman at Tyler Jr. College and a Marine Corp. veteran. He became a mentor and a friend. He and Mrs Justice were positive role models.
Judge Justice ' legacy is etched in history for the betterment of mankind.

Woody Roark

October 15, 2009

Judge Justice made such a difference in Texas--a wonderful difference that helped people who could not help themselves, people suffering from an unfair and often cruel system. I celebrate his life and am grateful to him and those that helped.

Frances Sage

October 15, 2009

Somebody said once that you don't need many heroes, just as long as you pick them right. Wayne Justice was my hero. It is one of my life's greatest treasures that he was also my friend. My heart goes out to Sue, and Ellen, and Jane. In the good old Quaker phrase, I am holding you all in the Light.

Jim Tourtelott

October 15, 2009

Long time friend from Athens. He gave the eulogy at my fathers funeral in 1991 and said "I'm proud to call Dan Johnson a friend". I'm proud to call Wayne Justice a friend.

Jon Dan Johnson

October 15, 2009

I am going to gather all the information I can about Judge Justice to give to my grandchildren, so that they will know what a wonderful hero this man was. He leaves a legacy that we all need to share with our children and our grandchildren for generations to come.

Vicki

October 15, 2009

I first met Judge Justice through my in-laws, Jack and Edna Gray Dillard with whom he attended high school in Athens, Later, he and I spent many hours running on the track at Robert E. Lee High School in Tyler during my training to become an FBI Agent.

We didn't always agree on the liberal vs. conservative issues but he was a thoughtful person and a kind and good friend.

God bless him and his family!

Dan Simmons

October 15, 2009

"Open thy mouth, judge righteously and plead the cause of the poor and the needy. Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction." Proverbs 31:8-9

I had the privilege of knowing a great man who did as God commanded and more, with sensitivity, intelligence and grace. Godspeed, Judge Justice.

Terri Kay Oliver

Terri Oliver

October 15, 2009

While I may have not agreed with every ruling you made from the bench, you helped bring Texas into the 20th century and made a difference in a lot of lives, including mine. You will be missed.

Michael Thetford

October 15, 2009

Kevin Green

October 14, 2009

Two years ago, when my son was born, I wanted to name him for a Texan who was an icon of social justice. Barbara, just didn't seem appropriate for a boy. So, I named him Justus, in honor of The Judge. RIP and deepest thanks.

Shannon Perez-Green

October 14, 2009

Judge Justice represented the best of the American spirit of justice.

Herbert Mansour

October 14, 2009

My first job out of law school was working for the Joint Committee on Prison Reform, implementing Judge Justice's Ruiz ruling. I was inspired then and even more inspired now to keep seeking for the kind of world Judge Justice envisioned. What a great man and Texas is the better for him.

Jim Phillips

October 14, 2009

In standing against prison abuse, Judge Justice stood for the innate dignity of every individual, even those whom the rest of society has written off. Thank you for having courage where others fail.

Thomas Denney

October 14, 2009

Thank you for your historic compassion for those less fortunate and your long-standing proof that one individual can make life-changing differences for others.

Mark and Liz Kromrei

October 14, 2009

It can rightly be said that you lived up to your name. You will be greatly missed.

Jane Thompson

October 14, 2009

A true Texas hero.

Scott Wood

October 14, 2009

Wayne Justice was one of our finest icons of Henderson County. We recall him in all the very best ways. He was one who wished me well when i shoved off - starting a career: TCU in '55.
Thanks! Judge. Patrick H. Beckham

Patrick Beckham

October 14, 2009

You are a hero to me. I will miss seeing you work-out @ the Y.

Suzanne Spencer

October 14, 2009

I have known Judge Justice since I was a young child growing up in Athens, Texas. I worked with him and his wife in the Henderson County Democratic Party prior to his appointment as U.S. Attorney and later Federal District Judge. He was always a kind, generous, caring, and supportive human being, and those are the same qualities that he brought to the dozens of major rulings and decisions he made in the last 41 years. He is a true hero to me and millions of others. Henderson County and Athens have produced a lot of noteworthy individuals, but, for me, the two most important and effective are Judge William Wayne Justice (Athens) and U.S. Senator Ralph Yarborough (Chandler). Judge Justice will be greatly missed, but he has a daughter, Ellen, who has the spirit of both her father and mother - a great combination.

Thomas R. Selman
Dallas/Athens

Thomas Selman

October 14, 2009

Patrick Ivy

October 14, 2009

In gratitude for all that you stood for in life, for all the good that you brought to the People and hence to the world, and for caring for and representing those who had not the power to be heard. You shall be missed. Sincerest condolences to friends and to the Justice family.

sandra lawrence

October 14, 2009

Judge Justice was one of my heroes. When I interviewed for a clerkship with him, we spent the day driving around town as he pointed out places that represented progress and those that did not. He didn't offer me the clerkship, but we met many times over the following years at legal and social events. Each time he gave me sage advice and a warm welcome. All Texans will miss his wisdom, wit and courage to change the world. Linda Aaker

Linda Aaker

October 14, 2009

I met Judge Justice in the late 60's when I was in the District Attorneys office in Tyler. I followed his career and saw him make tough but right legal decisions, that took a lot of courage. He was a great mentor for the judges that followed him. He will be missed but not forgotten.

Judge Kenneth DeHart

October 14, 2009

Having been licensed to practice law in 1970, I was fortunate to observe, and then participate in legal actions involving Judge Justice over these many years. I was amazed at his ability to thoughtfully consider difficult issues that no other judge would tackle. The great legal mind and humanitarian viewpoint will be missed. My condolences to the Judge's family.

Roy Greenwood

October 14, 2009

I had admired William Wayne Justice from afar as a champion of justice for the underprivileged and downtrodden in Texas. Then I was fortunate to meet the man in his Tyler offices, when I went to pick up his archives for the University of Texas. Beyond the crusader for justice, I found a gentle, thoughtful, and witty soul. I am thankful for having met him; we can all be thankful for what he did for justice in Texas.

John Wheat

October 14, 2009

I appeared in Judge Justice's Court many times and we were also friends. He was the epitome of character and integrity. A great man and jurist

Lawrence Wells

October 14, 2009

We have lost a great man.

Belda Martinez

October 14, 2009

Among his many legacies is how he has inspired others to protect and defend this nation's Constitution. I was privileged to meet the Judge in 1979. Even before meeting him, I knew his stellar reputation: he was intelligent enough to understand the U.S. Constitution, wise enough to listen to both sides of a legal dispute, and courageous enough to act to protect the Constitutional rights of all Americans. In the company of this country's greatest role models, he is PRESENTE! (Spanish phrase, meaning "forever with us and never forgotten").

Norma V. Cantu

October 14, 2009

I MISS OUR EARLY MORNING CASUSL BREAKFAST MEETINGS----NONE PLANNED, AT FULLER'S RESTURANT IN TYLER.

I DID NOT ALWAYS AGREE WITH HIM,-----BUT, I ADMIRED HIM AND HIS KNOWLEDGE, OF EVERYTHING, NOT ONLY LAW MATTERS------MAINLY LIFE.

I WAS BLESSED TO HAVE KNOW HIM-----AND, MY LIFE WAS ENRICHED BY IT.

A GENTLEMAN AND A "GENTLE MAN" IS AT REST.

DON PEYTON

October 14, 2009

Thank you Judge Justice for the compassion you brought to the legal profession and the justice that you bestowed to the poor and neglected. It was with pleasure and honor that during my term as President, the Mexican American Bar Association of Texas honored you with its highest honor, the Reynaldo G. Garza Award for Merit. My condolences to your family.

Gloria Leal

October 14, 2009

I knew Wayne Justice in Athens in the 60s. As I grew older and moved away, I followed his career, admiring the brave stands he took in his attempts (often successfully)to drag Texas out of the dark days of prejudice and discrimination. I ran into him a few months ago at an Austin restaurant and he and Sue were as gracious as I remembered. Comfort to Sue and Ellen.

Donley Watt

October 14, 2009

What a wonderful experience he afforded me as I worked with him in the U.S. Courts. He taught me so much about prisoner litigation and the rights of all people who apeared before him. I often told jury pools that they were to participate in the greatest jury system in the world. He made it so. My respect for this great human continued to grow through the years. His kindness to all people, especially children, is another part of his great legacy. My love to Sue and all the people fortunate to have worked for and with him. Sincerely, Katheryn Hetherly

Katheryn Hetherly

October 14, 2009

This judge saved countless lives through his prison ruling...he singlehandedly raised Texas out of the Dark Ages...God Bless William Wayne Justice

Andrew McMillen

October 14, 2009

I had the special privilege to listen to the advice of the Judge while writing my dissertation at UT-Austin about Texas Prisons and the Ruiz vs. Estelle trial. It was just fascinating to me to watch him "think."

We also chatted about my parents, whom he knew, and my stay at St. Stephen's Episcopal School many years ago.

Ellen, you are fortunate to have the Judge as your father!

All people seeking a chance in life will miss him.

Michelle Childers

October 14, 2009

It was my pleasure to know and wait on Judge Justice@Gilbert's El Charro. I've been on both sides William W. Justice made my life better.

Sandra Dover

October 14, 2009

The Judge was a hero not only in Texas but for many of us throughout the country. It was an honor to appear before him. He was truly a great judge and a great man.

Roger Rice

October 14, 2009

I was privileged to be a law clerk for the Judge in 1979-80. He was a wonderful mentor and role model. I am glad he was honored while still alive. My sympathies to Sue, Ellen and other relatives, and to the larger family of clerks, friends, and fans. He will be sorely missed.

Ann Maclaine

October 14, 2009

I never met Judge Justice in person, but I read many of his decisions when I worked as an EEO investigator for several Texas State agencies. I still have the documentary from PBS in my collection of great men. He was a great man, whose decisions helped many of the downtrodden and oppresssed get out of their plight. I know, I was incarcerated at the old Gatesville State School for Boys in 1952, and know first hand the beatings we received. Judge Justice was a beacon of light for many of us who never thought we could rise above the proverty and biases of the time, but he pulled us up by his brave decisions. My prayers are with you in your loss and also the loss for many Texans. He was a great man!!!

Al Celaya

October 14, 2009

My prayers of support and condolence are lifted in your behalf as you mourn the loss of a great man who lived a great life.

David Griffin

October 14, 2009

James Moore

October 14, 2009

Arguably a great judge in issues involving the treatment of minorities, the young, and state prisoners, but never a jurist.

Another time, another place, Old Friend.

Orrin Shaid Jr.

October 14, 2009

Judge Justice was a man who ruled with justice, Compassion and a true knowledge of how to balance the two. After he sentenced my husband to prison his manner of handling his cases inspired me to become a court translator where I had the honor of observing him at work many times. God Bless and Keep You, Your Honor. Your Memory and Legacy will live on always in the lives of the many Inmates and their families whose lives you and the reform you made possible. RIP. To the Family, Judge Justice was a Great Man.

Dyan Cardenas

October 14, 2009

No judge (or justice) anywhere in my lifetime had the capacity for goodness, justice, decency, and compassion that we enjoyed from Judge Justice. My favorite scripture from St. Matthew has never applied more: "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me."

Bill Burton

October 14, 2009

Thank you, Judge Justice.

Julian

Julian Griego

October 14, 2009

"Thrice is he armed that hath his quarrel just." William Shakespeare

William Wayne Justice left this world armed to the teeth.

William Tiffee

October 14, 2009

A man who knew how to use the power of a federal judgeship to change the world for the better. His name says it all, “Justice.”

Ridgely C. Bennett

October 14, 2009

Judge Justice applied being a profoundly decent human being to the job of being a federal judge. It goes without saying that he was also a wise, thoughtful and inquisitive student of the law. But in a state where power and position dictates outcomes most of the time, he chose to be unpopular and rule for the less powerful person when it was the right thing to do.

ACLU of Texas Policy Director Bernhardt worked for Justice as a clerk, 1999-2000.

Rebecca Bernhardt

October 14, 2009

“Judge Justice’s clear-eyed understanding of the Constitution not only made a difference in the lives of all Texans, but he inspired a whole new generation of civil libertarians. He showed us the good in our laws, that they were intended for justice and wise jurists could ensure that happened.”
Executive Director, ACLU of Texas

Terri Burke

October 14, 2009

Dearest Sue & Ellen,
My thoughts & prayers are with you. Wayne & Mother were such sweet friends from childhood on. I know they are enjoying catching up with each other as they shine down on us. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories you have of your precious husband & father.

Rae (White) Wilson

October 14, 2009

I had the privilege of knowing Judge Justice through his visits to Del Rio. He delighted in telling stories from his childhood and of hearing stories of my Appalachian roots. He had a fierce intelligence, a quick wit, and a huge heart. I shall miss him.

Larry Hornsby

October 14, 2009

Judge Justice was an inspiration to the judiciary and a wonderful human being. I was privileged to know him and to consider him a friend. He served with honor, and his passing leaves a void that will not soon be filled.

Hon. Marilyn Aboussie

October 14, 2009

You will be missed for you are one of the few who consistently respected the rule of law and the dignity of man.

Bill Wilson

October 14, 2009

I didn't know u personally, but from what I've read it seems u were a great Judge. May memories of ur life live on, but may we all get the know who God is!!!!

S. O. White

October 14, 2009

Integrity, fairness, champion of the underdog: words cannot convey the life and work of Judge Justice. It was an honor for my family to have known him and a privilege for me to work as a typist on the Ruiz case.

Laura Miller

October 14, 2009

Mark Sigmon

October 14, 2009

A judge who cared about justice and accepted praise with the humility of great men. Thank you judge.

Donald Bard

October 14, 2009

Judge Justice has always been an inspiration to me. He dragged Texas and the nation kicking and screaming into the twentieth century.
George H. Head, Nacogdoches County, Texas

George Head

October 14, 2009

A fine gentleman and champion of the law. Judge Wayne Justice was a decent, fair and just man who fought tirelessly for the best in American ideals.

Clay Goodman

October 14, 2009

Judge Justice was a Texas hero, honoring the Constitution and enforcing the law,and defending the bill of rights. His dedication to "We the people of the United States" is a monument to liberty and justice for all.

William Staton

October 14, 2009

A man of great decency and courage.

Jordan Steiker

October 14, 2009

I admired Judge Justice for his fidelity to the law and to the people, for his intellect and for his constant humility and kindness.

It is my observation that those who opposed and spurned him usually lacked those blessings.

Ron Gleason, Tyler, Texas

October 14, 2009

You will be missed, and it was a pleasure to have been able to meet you here in Austin, Texas. Everytime I drive pass Westminster, I will be reminded of how much that you've done for people all throughout the state of Texas and world wide. Thank you for standing up for what you believed in and being such a great judge.- "Robert Samuel, Austin Texas"

Robert Samuel

October 14, 2009

His leadership and wisdom brought Texas into the 20th century. It was an honor to have met him and for him to give some of his time to tell me about his life and work. A true hero! His oral history is at the Southwest Collection on the Texas Tech Campus in Lubbock.

T.G. Caraway

October 14, 2009

A man of courage, wit, and intelligence. We need more like him, and fewer tyrants.

Dick DeGuerin

October 14, 2009

Thank you for being such an inspiration.

JC

October 14, 2009

A true Texas hero, who fought to insure the safety and well being of our most vulerable citizens.

Jack Gulledge

October 14, 2009

My condolences to the Justice family on the death of Judge Justice. I also offer my gratitude to the Judge and his family for the difficulties they experienced because of the Judge's efforts to provide all Texans the dignity and opportunity afforded by a humane society.

Donna Jones

October 14, 2009

Dear Ellen and family -

Cheryl and I are deeply saddened by the death of your great and good father. I was very involved with him on the medical "solution" side of the Ruiz v. Estelle suit. We were colleagues in the Philosophical Society of Texas as well. As you know, he and your dear Mother were faithful attenders of its affairs.

True greatness passes our way only rarely. With Bill's, I'm reminded of Harper Lee's words spoken by the old minister in "To Kill a Mockingbird" at the end of the trial. Speaking to Atticus Finch's daughter and son - Scout and Jem: "Stand up children, your father is passing by."

And...so he is.

With deep respect and abiding affection -

Jon and Cheryl Fleming

Jon H. Fleming

October 14, 2009

Bryan Barker Athens Tx

October 14, 2009

Roger Olien, Austin, Texas

October 14, 2009

A great man has left us. The oppressed will have to find a new champion.

Roberto Harrison

October 14, 2009

Thank you Judge, from a Texan whose proud to have studied you.
- Dave Denton

Dave Denton

October 14, 2009

Judge Tom McDonald

October 14, 2009

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