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Judge William A. Bootle

About

Mercer University University of Georgia

FUNERAL HOME

Snow's Memorial Chapel, Cherry St.

746 Cherry Street

Macon, Georgia

William Bootle Obituary

Judge William A. Bootle -MACON - Judge William A. Bootle, 102, died Tuesday at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 11A.M., Saturday at First Baptist Church with burial in Riverside Cemetery, North Gate. Dr. Robert Setzer and Dr. Kirby Godsey will officiate. The family will meet friends from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M., Friday at Snow's Memorial Chapel, Cherry Street and . may be contacted at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth Hall, III, 4701 Braeburn Lane, Macon. They suggest that memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Church, 511 High Place, Macon, GA 31201 or to Mercer University, 1400 Coleman Avenue, Macon, GA 31207. -Judge Bootle was born August 19, 1902 at a spot called Round O, which is just South of Walterboro on what is today Route 17-A running through Walterboro to Charleston, SC. His mother was Cara Lilla Benton Bootle, his father, Phillip Lorraine Bootle. -Judge Bootle graduated from Reidsville High School and Mercer University. He graduated from Mercer's Walter F. George School of Law in 1925. He married Virginia Childs in 1928. Judge Bootle was appointed U. S. Attorney by President Herbert Hoover in 1928 and U. S. District Judge by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954. -Judge Bootle, in the face of popular and State Government opposition, ordered the admission of African-American students to the University of Georgia and successfully navigated through tumultuous social currents to find an avenue for peacefully and successfully desegregating Bibb County's Schools. He courageously ordered Voter Registrars to allow African-Americans access to the polls. -He was a member of First Baptist Church and was a life trustee for Mercer University. -Survivors include his daughter, Ann Bootle (Ellsworth) Hall of Macon; two sons, Dr. William Augustus (Brenda) Bootle, Jr. of Warner Robins and Dr. James C. (Betsy) Bootle of Atlanta; eight grandchildren, Caroline Childs Bootle of New York City, Elizabeth Bootle Herp and her husband, Dan Herp of San Francisco, William Augustus Bootle, III of St. Simons Island, Dr. Virginia Childs Hall and her husband, Dr. John D. Putzke of Jacksonville, FL, Ellsworth Hall, IV of Macon, Katherine Bootle Attie and her husband, Alexander of Paris, France, Robert Ashley Butler and his wife, Stephanie of Cumming and David Ashley Butler of St. Simons Island; five great grandchildren. -Visit www.mem.com to express tributes. -Snow's Memorial Chapel, Cherry Street has charge of arrangements William Bootle

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Published by The Telegraph on Jan. 28, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for William Bootle

34 Entries

"Jukie" Hardeman Caldwell

February 1, 2005

"Jimmy," how I remember our wonderful days at dear old Clisby!! But even more than that I remember what wonderful contributions each member of your family has made to its respective communities and the nation. God certainly held you ALL in the palm of His hand during the difficult days, but it is obvious that all that has been accomplished was a part of the Master's plan. May He grant each of you peace and joy knowing that you had great parents of whom you and yours may share great pride. Peace and love to all, "Jukie"

David Barrineau

January 30, 2005

It was a great honor and privilege to have been a law enforcment officer with criminal cases prosecuted in Judge Bootle's court in Athens, Georgia during the late 1960's. I found the dignity and decorum in his courtroom to have been unmatched in courts I appeared in after that time. Judge Bootle was a fine person and the finest judge I ever knew. He was a great inspiration for me and my law enforcement career.

AMY THOMPSON KAREN JERKINS

January 30, 2005

MRS.HALL,

WE WERE VERY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE DEATH OF YOUR FATHER.OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.

AMY AND KAREN

Harrell Lawson

January 29, 2005

My condolences to the family. I did not know Judge Bootle personally, but I knew his work and his work meant the difference between life and liberty for so many.

Michael Daniel

January 29, 2005

A fine man and Judge.

William Paul

January 28, 2005

Although I cannot claim a personal friendship wirh Judge Bootle, I can say that he once impacted on my life in a very positve way. Many decades ago he was the presiding Judge in the very first federal case I tried as a young lawyer. By his superb display of fairness he instilled in me a firm and lasting confidence that our justice system is the best mankind has ever known. The world is a better place because Judge William Bootle lived!

Edison McDonald Jr

January 28, 2005

God so loved the world,that he also gave us Judge William A.Bootle.The work he has done speaks for him.

Mary Hudson

January 28, 2005

My condolences to the family.What he did for the minorites will stand forever. God bless.

Bob Auman

January 28, 2005

Jim, I trust you recall the several times I have expressed to you how much I admired your father and his courage to do what was right. He was truly a giant in the judiciary and fully deserving of all the eloquent tributes that have appeared this week in newspapers in Atlanta, Macon, Washington, and elsewhere. Please accept my sincere sympathy. In a month or two, I hope we can meet for a meal; at that time, I would like to pass on to you the paperback autobiography written by Charlayne Hunter-Gault. Best wishes.

Betty Jones

January 27, 2005

To the family, I pray that God will see you all through at this dark hour. I met Judge Bootle for the first time in 1999; at the 1999 Mercer Alumni Day Celebration I knew then that he was a great man among men. Macon and the rest of the world has lost a great man. A man who stood for equal rights for all mankind.

HAZEL FARMER

January 27, 2005

My condolences to the family. I have many fond memories of Judge Bootle in the courtroom and the dignity with which he handled some very difficult situations. It was always a pleasure to be the court reporter for this very honorable man. He will be missed not only for his judicial decisions, but also for his ability to share his humor with those around him. His courtroom was always a place where all people were treated with dignity and respect.

Patricia Cervenka

January 27, 2005

My sympathies to the family. Knowing Judge Bootle is one of my treasured memories from being on the faculty at Mercer Law School.

Bill Coleman

January 27, 2005

Dr. Bootle,

On behalf of myself and Oconee Radiology Associates, we extend our deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. Judge Bootle was a great man, and will never be forgotten.

Keith Benning

January 27, 2005

Judge Bootle's greatness is impossible to portray in such a limited space. Let us remember him for his dignity, warmth, friendship

and keen sense of social justice.

gerald anderson

January 26, 2005

I had the honor of having lunch with Judge Bootle along with his nephew,also an attorney in Halehurst, ga.. His passing is a great loss to everyone who knew him. God Bless the family.

Gerald Anderson

Hazlehurst,ga.

Eugene Hernandez

January 26, 2005

My condolences to Judge Bootle family,you are blessed to have share a life with a very exceptional man. After reading a brief history of Judge Bootle life, I just wanted to say that this country is a much better place because of the 102 years the judge spent on this earth. May God bless and keep him safe in his arms forever.

Rep. David E. Lucas, Sr. & Councilwoman Elaine Lucas & Family

January 26, 2005

We want to express our deepest admiration for Judge Bootle's life and sympathy at his death. Our prayers are with you all at this time.

Clennon King

January 26, 2005

On behalf of the King Family of Albany, my hat off to Judge Bootle. It was because of his moral compass and courage in March '00, that President Clinton issued a presidential pardon for my uncle, Preston King---a man who spent 39-years in exile stemming from a Jim Crow Era draft conviction. The judge's letter to the White House made all the difference, especially since he was the sentencing judge in the original matter. To defend someone you've convicted takes guts, and few had more than Judge Bootle. He walked his talk and will forever be a hero in my book.

Paul and mary Cain

January 26, 2005

Ann

We were saddened to hear of your father's death. Our deepest sympathy to you, Buzz, Gus Gus and all your family.

Shirley Avera Powell

January 26, 2005

I personally did not know Judge Bootle, but did know his daughter Ann when she taught at McEvoy (Class of 61). Your family has my deepest sympathy for your loss.

Algenon Wright

January 26, 2005

I want to send my condolences to the Bootle family. Thanks Mr. Bootle for standing up for what is right for everyone regardless of color.

Cliff Chandler

January 26, 2005

I had the pleasure of interviewing Judge Bootle. He was an interesting and dedicated man. He will be missed.

Richard Powers

January 26, 2005

To the family of Judge Bootle my prayers go with you. I knew his son, when he was a resident at Grady Hospital, and if Judge Bootle was like his son, he was a caring and sincere man.

LINDA PRESTON

January 26, 2005

MRS.HALL'S MY SYMPATHY AND PRAYER GOIN OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS TIME.WE KEEP YOU 'LL IN PRAYER.[HOPE YU REMEMBER ME]I USED TO WORK FOR YU .YOUR FATHER WAS A WONDERFUL MAN.GLAD I HAD THE CHANCE TO KNOW HIM.

Victor Holloway

January 26, 2005

I attended Ada J Banks Grammar School from 1965 to 1967 (1-3 Grades) Judge Bottle's rulings had a lasting effect on me when the Bibb County Schools where intergrated and i attended John W. Burke Grammar School. He was truly a Giant among men. God Bless....

Judy & Danny Sanders

January 26, 2005

Judge Bootle touched so many lives and will be remembered for many years to come. God Bless each of you.

Saundra Douglas

January 26, 2005

My deepest sympathy to the Bootle family.

Edwina Johnston Bush

January 26, 2005

Judge Bootle helped my father become a judge(Judge Edwin P. Johnston)and was a dear family friend. He was a great man and will be missed.

Dell Moore

January 26, 2005

I remember a time in 1966, my mom and I were walking home from First Baptist and I was tired. Since I was on crutches, my mom started to pick me up. Judge Bootle came along and carried me so my mom could have a rest. I was in the 3rd grade and still remember his act of kindness.

calvin huggins

January 26, 2005

God Speed Bill....

a great American, Christian and Maconite.

May the Lord bless your family in these times.

Sara FOREHAND

January 26, 2005

May God be with you all, his family

What a legacy!!!!!

Rhonda Ussery

January 26, 2005

Sorry for your loss. May God Bless your family

John Pittman

January 26, 2005

My father, John Henry Pittman, Sr. and I have always admired the integrity of Judge Bootle. I graduated with Ann's class of 1953 and although we were not acquainted, I had a high respect for her also. My condolences from the Miller-Lanier Class of 1953.

Loretta Knott

January 26, 2005

My condolences to the family of Judge Bootle. I have known him for a number of years and have had the occasion to work with him briefly. He was a wonderful, caring individual. His legacy will never be forgotten in our community and throughout our nation.

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