MEMPHIS, Tenn. — With the crush of breaking news over the past week, it’s easy to allow other noteworthy developments to go unnoticed. So I want to take a moment today to remember the recent passing of two public figures in Memphis who made enormous contributions to our community in different ways.
The first is the death of former Democratic state Senator Roscoe Dixon who died last week at age 71. Dixon will be remembered as an exceptional political strategist – who cut his teeth in politics during the historic 1974 congressional campaign of Harold Ford Sr.
Dixon went on to serve in both the state House and senate – where he focused on education and healthcare. And yes, he served time in prison for his role in the Tennessee Waltz scandal, but that in no way defines his overall character or his work to make Memphis better.
The other notable death last week was that of retired federal judge Harry Wellford who passed away at age 96. Judge Wellford was the legal brains behind the Republican Party becoming a major player in local politics in the 1960s. He later served for decades on the federal district and appeals court bench. And he really was a true gentlemen in every sense of the word.
I was honored to know these two men well. And while they represented different parties and took different paths, they both contributed greatly to society.
And that’s my point of view. I’m Otis Sanford, for Local 24 News.