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Bill Waller Obituary
Jackson
Funeral services for former Governor Bill Waller, 85, of Jackson, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December, 3, 2011, at First Baptist Church Jackson. A private family graveside service will follow. Visitation will be at the New Capitol from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday. Waller Funeral Home in Oxford is in charge of arrangements.
Governor 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 entered private law practice in 1950 in Jackson, Mississippi. He became the senior partner in Waller, Pritchard and Fox and later, Waller and Waller Attorneys. He practiced law for 61 years.
He 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.Waller served as Governor from 1972 to 1976. Higher education and transportation saw significant advances under his leadership. He was the first Governor to appoint African-Americans to key positions within state government. 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,1 brother Don Waller of Oxford 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, P.O. Box 4005, Clinton, MS 39058 or www.mc.edu. For additional information or to sign an online guestbook, visit our website www.wallerfuneralhome.com or call 662-234-7971.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bill Waller
Preston Rideout
December 7, 2011
So sorry to hear of Governor Waller's passing. Over the years I handled several cases with him and although a gentleman, he was a zealous advocate. He will be missed in the Mississippi Bar and in the State at large.
Clark Nerren
December 4, 2011
He will be very missed. It was a pleasure to do business with the Gov. and his son William.
Daniel Reeves
December 4, 2011
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Governor Waller. The quality of his immediate family is testimony to the true character he inculcated to each of you . May God give each of you strength and comfort amid this formidable loss.
David Sessums
December 3, 2011
Governor Waller was the first governor I ever voted for. I was also privileged to serve with his son, Bill, Jr. in the Mississippi National Guard. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. May our Heavenly Father lighten your burden and may the warm memories and pride in Governor Waller's life and accomplishments gladden your hearts.
melanie hodge
December 3, 2011
my prayers are with the wonderful
waller family as they mourn. Governor Waller was a wonderful man
and leader.
Joseph Dumas
December 3, 2011
A good man who served the public interest. His buoyant spirit will linger in our hearts.
Janice Croft
December 3, 2011
I was very fortunate to have known and worked with Governor Bill Waller when he was in office. He accomplished a great deal for our state, with integrity and concern for all, He was courteous and friendly to everyone, and even willing to help people who could not afford an attorney. Men like Governor Bill Waller are an inspiration to us all. I would like to think that there are still other great leaders like him in today's world and that his values have not gone out of vogue. His passing is a great loss to his wonderful family, as well as to the state of Mississippi.
Carroll, and the family, I grieve with you. He will be missed by so many people, including me.
Janice Croft
Brooksville, Mississippi
Durham, North Carolina
Terry Harpole
December 3, 2011
I never knew Mr. Waller, personally, but remember his being our governor. I will keep all the family in my prayers, and thoughts.
December 3, 2011
The Neddie & Tommie Winters family want the Waller family to know you have our deepest sympathy as well our prayers. We have such wonderful memories of Governor Bill Waller and his legacy. He accomplished so many good things for our state, the nation and the world. We join with you and so many others in celebrating his great legacy. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. We know this sums up the life and legacy of Governor William L. Waller.
Love
Neddie & Tommie Winters
Bill Kirksey
December 3, 2011
The Governor was my friend since 1973 - I have spent many hours with him discussing law and politics. He was always a gentleman. I will miss my friend, and to each of your I extend my deepest heart felt sympathy
Paula Paxton
December 2, 2011
To Mrs. Waller and Family,
Your family has always been loved by the Paxton family, as well as your FBC family. I join many others in sorrow and joy as you grieve and rejoice as Gov. Waller takes his journey home to be with our precious Lord.
December 2, 2011
The Oliver family sends its sympathy to all the Wallers.
From Delbert, Bill, Joey and families.
Jay Wiener
December 2, 2011
You have my deepest sympathy:
Governor Waller's record of accomplishment in public office is historic and unprecedented, and his record of accomplishment will bear perpetual witness to his integrity and judgment. The State of Mississippi is a better place for the points of departure that Governor Waller initiated, and its people are substantially better-served for his year of public service. School children for generations to come will learn of the fact that it was during the Waller Administration that Misssissippi "stepped from the shadow of States Rights into the full sunshine of Human Rights". What greater testimony to a life well-lived can be found than in having facilitated that.
I cannot close without mentioning that many of the women with whom I was close during early adulthood had been friends with Joy Waller -- most notably Lynn Green -- and it is likely to warm all of your hearts to recognize that the patrician gentility and grace which is the hallmark of the Waller family leaves a deep impression upon those who have had the pleasure of knowing each of you; and I am certain that countless people will cherish their memories of Governor Waller, just as so many women spoke so fondly of their association with Joy, over the years.
Thanks.
Julie Woods
December 2, 2011
I know how much that Governor Waller meant to my daughter-in-law, Susan Rozina Woods and to my son, Chris Woods. The Governor was the consummate gentleman, his legal career was exemplary, and his ethic should be followed by all attorneys, present and future. Deepest condolences from the entire Woods family are extended to the Waller family.
Katie Jacks
December 2, 2011
I was very fortunate to meet Gov. Waller while I worked for Hon. Robert A. Pritchard who rented office space from Gov. Waller. He would always walk down the hall to check on me or just chit chat for a short while. I also had the opportunity to meet most of his family. Gov. Waller was a great man and I know his family and friends will miss him dearly. May God bring you peace and comfort in this difficult time.
December 2, 2011
I had the great pleasure when I was a circuit judge to preside in several cases that Bill Waller tried. He was one of those " old fashioned country lawyers " whose careers long preceeded the adoption of the rules of civil proceedure and evidence, and Bill never pretended he was acquainted with those rules. What he knew was how a lawsuit should be tried. He also knew a great deal about people, and he always treated everyone with the utmost courtesy and respect even when eviserating someone on cross examination. It was my great fortune to have seen him in action, and he was always as courteous to me as he was to everyone else. They don't make them like Bill Waller anymore, and that's a shame. His passing is a great loss to the bar and to the state of Mississippi.
Gene Bogen, Charlottesville, VA
December 2, 2011
To Miss Carroll and the family--We grieve with you but rejoice too in knowing that Brother Bill rests in the arms of Jesus. He was such a public servant, so much more than simply a politician. He lit quite a torch for all of you to keep burning. God Bless and know you are in our prayers.--Veva and Bob Gilfoy
December 2, 2011
To Miss Carroll and the family-We join you in your grief, but more importantly, in your joy that Brother Bill rests in the arms of Jesus. He was truly a public servant, so much greater than a politician. With more men of his staunch character, this world would be so much a better place. He lit quite a torch--Be sure that you keep it burning. We love you all--Veva and Bob Gilfoy
Shirley and Jake Richardson
December 2, 2011
We were so sorry to hear of Gov. Waller's passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
December 2, 2011
May you find comfort from the God of All Comfort.
Cile Alexander
December 2, 2011
Praying for your family at this difficult time. Governor Waller gave me an enormous opportunity my senior year at Mississippi College by allowing me to work in the Governor's Office. That experience is probably one of the most memorable times of my life, and I continue to be grateful. He was a friend to my mother and father, Elaine and Bob Taylor, and the entire Waller family was very special to us. Will be praying for you all.
Cile Taylor Alexander
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