A Tribute to the Honorable William E. McAnulty by Rep. Darryl Owens

On August 24, 2007 Rep. Darryl Owens sponsored a bill (HR 12)honoring the Honorable William E. McAnulty who passed away that very morning. Rep. Owens had been a long-time friend of Judge McAnulty and he spoke from the House Floor of his deep respect for his departed colleague:

"Today we mourn the loss of one of a true pioneers and champions for the Kentucky Justice system. Judge McAnulty, from his earliest days as an attorney, set a standard to which all in the law profession should aspire. He combined his astounding knowledge of the law with a warmth, compassion and humor that made him highly respected, yet approachable and kind.

Judge McAnulty broke through barriers that stood in the path of the African-American citizens of this state and that determination, dedication and sheer hard work drove his appointments to all four levels in the Court of Justice, including his departure from the Chief Judgeship of the Jefferson County Circuit Court on up to the Kentucky Court of Appeals in 1988. He became the first African-American Justice of the Supreme Court of Kentucky, first by appointment by the Commonwealth's Chief Magistrates, and then by the choice of the people of his district who confirmed his great work with their vote.

Mac, as he was known by this friends, also gave back to the community that he felt had given him so much. Whether he was chairing the Metro United Way, coaching Little Leagues teams, or mentoring and fostering young people, Mac tirelessly shared his with and wisdom to all who asked.

I have lost a dear friend today, and Kentucky has lost one of its finest sons. It is an honor for me to sponsor House Resolution 12 which shares the Honorable William E. McAnulty's great legacy with the citizens of our Commonwealth."