Statement on the Passing of John Wilder

"John Wilder was like family to me. He was a significant force in Tennessee for over 50 years, and will be remembered as a legislative giant, a political genius, and for his knowledge of the law and due process. He loved the Senate and his late wife, Miss Marcelle, who was a gentle lady. John Wilder was proud of creating the state board of education and the Tennessee Plan which removed politics from the selection of Supreme Court judges."