One of the founding fathers of the Mississippi Republican Party died at 94 on Friday.
Billy Mounger, born in Jackson in 1926 where he lived most of his life, was a graduate of West Point and the University of Oklahoma. He served our nation in the Air Force before striking out on his own in the oil and gas business, where his success allowed him to follow various philanthropic pursuits.
Mississippi Republican leaders are mourning his passing, sharing statements on the impact Mounger had on them and this state.
Some of those sentiments are shared below:
Governor Tate Reeves:
Billy Mounger was a stalwart Mississippi Republican. Praying for his friends and family as they grieve his loss tonight.
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) June 26, 2020
Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann:
2/2 He leaves a legacy through his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, as well as an outline of how all of us should conduct our political responsibilities. #MSGOP
— Delbert Hosemann (@DelbertHosemann) June 27, 2020
Attorney General Lynn Fitch:
Mississippi has lost a true ambassador for our State. From politics to business to the arts, Mr. Billy Mounger was front and center in nearly every effort to advance our State and build our sense of community. My sincerest sympathies to his wife Jan and their family.
— Lynn Fitch (@LynnFitchAG) June 27, 2020
Senator Roger Wicker:
With the passing of Billy Mounger, our state and nation have lost a patriot, a fighter, a job creator, a philanthropist and so much more. https://t.co/nMhSqYtBRL
— Senator Roger Wicker (@SenatorWicker) June 26, 2020
Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith:
Billy Mounger built the foundation of today's Mississippi Republican Party. He will be missed. Praying for his family and friends as they grieve the loss of a great Mississippian.
— U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (@SenHydeSmith) June 27, 2020
Former Congressman Gregg Harper:
“I never would have been elected to Congress without the help of Mr. Mounger. He did so much for so many people. Mr. Mounger was always the most entertaining speaker each year at our Military Academy Day. He loved West Point and he loved America like no one I’ve ever known. He will truly be missed by all who knew him, especially by my family. He was a great man.”
Mississippi Republican Party chairman Lucien Smith:
Few can claim so profound an impact in life as Billy Mounger. The @MSGOP, the State of Mississippi, and the USA are better for his life and his service. He embodied the West Point motto: Duty, Honor, Country. My thoughts and prayers are with his family tonight.
— Lucien Smith 🇺🇸 🇮🇱 (@LucienSmith) June 27, 2020
Former MSGOP chairman Joe Nosef:
One of my last really good visits with Mr & Mrs Mounger; Billy Mounger literally was one of our @MSGOP founding fathers & supported us robustly as long as he was able. We are forever in his debt. #msgop pic.twitter.com/oRsw0CfIgM
— Joe Nosef (@joenosef) June 27, 2020
Mounger’s funeral will be held at noon Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson.
Frank Corder
