Former Gov. William Winter passed away Friday night at the age of 97, leaving behind a long legacy of accomplishments, especially in the areas of education policy and racial progress. The service rendered to Mississippi by Winter continues to benefit our state into the present day, and we should mark his lifetime with gratitude and with a firm resolve to follow in his example.
The Grenada native was governor only four years, serving at at time when the state constitution did not allow a governor two terms. But he made a more significant impact in four years than many of his successors have done in eight years, and with a record of service that continued far beyond his time in elected office. Indeed, Winterâs post-gubernatorial career as the stateâs elder statesmen and voice of conscience may be as significant as his political achievements.