FAST FACTS:
(Memphis 1/1/2010) You can't say Tennessee politics without saying John Wilder's name. The masterful politician, known for working well with both sides of the aisle, spent most of his life as a dedicated public servant.
His devotion started in 1958 when he was first elected to the Tennessee State Senate. In 1971, he became the senate speaker a position he'd keep for 36 years. Those who worked closely with him during that time, like US Congressman Steve Cohen, say Wilder was extremely popular in West Tennessee.
"He was involved in everything and knew it. He was always trying to get West Tennessee what he could get and to build up the area with economic development and jobs. When he received the same call from the University of Memphis he was there too," said Cohen.
Cohen also knew Wilder on a very personal level. He says the attorney, businessman and aviator would fly to Nashville for a session in his plane the "Jaybird".
"I flew with him and he kind of showed me how to fly. I never really learned. I guess my fondest memory is landing," said Cohen.
From Nashville to his home in Somerville, Wilder's memory will live on. His law office is still on the town's square and you can even find old senate campaign posters on buildings. His former constituents say his longevity proved his loyalty to not just the state but Fayette county.
"You never heard anything bad about him. He always did his job. He even flew his own plane to the meetings and things and I admired that and he was active all the way to the end," said Somerville resident Leon Wilson.
"It's a very sad day for Fayette County and for the state of Tennessee after all of his contributions. I'm just shocked," said Somerville resident Amy McQueen.
Funeral Arrangements are being made by Peebles Funeral Home in Fayette County.
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR PHIL BREDESEN
ON THE PASSING OF JOHN WILDER
"Andrea and I were both saddened to hear of John Wilder's death, and want to express our sympathy and condolences to his family. I hope they take comfort in reflecting on what a long and productive life he led.
"Gov. Wilder was one of the toughest men I've ever known. A couple of years ago he fell and cut himself at his home and lost a lot of blood before he could get to the hospital. I visited him in the intensive care unit at the Med, where he couldn't talk because he still had a ventilator tube in his throat. That was on Friday; the following Monday he flew his plane back to Nashville.
"While we often agreed on issues, I don't know that there are two people in Tennessee politics whose political styles are more different than John Wilder's and mine. Despite that, or perhaps because of it, we worked together well, we got some things done, and we grew a genuine friendship. It was a privilege to know this unique Tennessean; I wish it could have been for a longer time.
"John always told me that his goal in life was to 'make a difference' for his state. I believe he made it." ============================================= CONGRESSMAN MARSHA BLACKBURN Honored To Serve the 7th District of Tennessee BLACKBURN COMMENTS ON PASSING OF JOHN WILDER NASHVILLE-- Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) made the following statement on the passing of Lt. Gov. John Wilder.
"Governor Wilder was a mentor to me and scores of other Tennesseans. He dedicated his life to the betterment of Tennessee. After a generation of public service, we know that it was a life well lived. On a series of issues, from sales tax deductability to the establishment of the Tennessee Economic Council on Women; Governor Wilder's influence and guidance were pivotal."
- Fmr Lt. Gov. John Wilder Dead at 88
- Served For Almost Half a Century
- Led TN Senate Longer Than Anyone In History
(Memphis 1/1/2010) You can't say Tennessee politics without saying John Wilder's name. The masterful politician, known for working well with both sides of the aisle, spent most of his life as a dedicated public servant.
His devotion started in 1958 when he was first elected to the Tennessee State Senate. In 1971, he became the senate speaker a position he'd keep for 36 years. Those who worked closely with him during that time, like US Congressman Steve Cohen, say Wilder was extremely popular in West Tennessee.
"He was involved in everything and knew it. He was always trying to get West Tennessee what he could get and to build up the area with economic development and jobs. When he received the same call from the University of Memphis he was there too," said Cohen.
Cohen also knew Wilder on a very personal level. He says the attorney, businessman and aviator would fly to Nashville for a session in his plane the "Jaybird".
"I flew with him and he kind of showed me how to fly. I never really learned. I guess my fondest memory is landing," said Cohen.
From Nashville to his home in Somerville, Wilder's memory will live on. His law office is still on the town's square and you can even find old senate campaign posters on buildings. His former constituents say his longevity proved his loyalty to not just the state but Fayette county.
"You never heard anything bad about him. He always did his job. He even flew his own plane to the meetings and things and I admired that and he was active all the way to the end," said Somerville resident Leon Wilson.
"It's a very sad day for Fayette County and for the state of Tennessee after all of his contributions. I'm just shocked," said Somerville resident Amy McQueen.
Funeral Arrangements are being made by Peebles Funeral Home in Fayette County.
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR PHIL BREDESEN
ON THE PASSING OF JOHN WILDER
"Andrea and I were both saddened to hear of John Wilder's death, and want to express our sympathy and condolences to his family. I hope they take comfort in reflecting on what a long and productive life he led.
"Gov. Wilder was one of the toughest men I've ever known. A couple of years ago he fell and cut himself at his home and lost a lot of blood before he could get to the hospital. I visited him in the intensive care unit at the Med, where he couldn't talk because he still had a ventilator tube in his throat. That was on Friday; the following Monday he flew his plane back to Nashville.
"While we often agreed on issues, I don't know that there are two people in Tennessee politics whose political styles are more different than John Wilder's and mine. Despite that, or perhaps because of it, we worked together well, we got some things done, and we grew a genuine friendship. It was a privilege to know this unique Tennessean; I wish it could have been for a longer time.
"John always told me that his goal in life was to 'make a difference' for his state. I believe he made it." ============================================= CONGRESSMAN MARSHA BLACKBURN Honored To Serve the 7th District of Tennessee BLACKBURN COMMENTS ON PASSING OF JOHN WILDER NASHVILLE-- Congressman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7) made the following statement on the passing of Lt. Gov. John Wilder.
"Governor Wilder was a mentor to me and scores of other Tennesseans. He dedicated his life to the betterment of Tennessee. After a generation of public service, we know that it was a life well lived. On a series of issues, from sales tax deductability to the establishment of the Tennessee Economic Council on Women; Governor Wilder's influence and guidance were pivotal."
