LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - He led Arkansas into a new post-integration era, and then joined a wave of progressive southern politicians to Washington, shaping history from there.
With the funeral for former Arkansas Governor and Senator Dale Bumpers on Sunday, THV11's Craig O'Neill decided to take a look back on the man through the eyes of his fellow pioneering politicians.
Former President Bill Clinton will be speaking at Bumpers' funeral at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Little Rock on Sunday. He like everyone else who will pack the church will think about their connection to the former Senator and former Governor, because that's what you do at a memorial services with Bumpers. It covers a vast geographical area, beginning with his hometown of Charleston
Tributes to Bumpers are everywhere in Charleston, and memories are easy to recall for a Mayor who was a little boy campaigning for Bumpers.
"I remember putting the little bumper stickers on, says 'Another bumper for Bumpers,'" said Charleston Mayor Sherman Hiatt.
The home where Bumpers grew up has since become a landmark.
"He was an honest man you know. He was up front and honest, and that's a quality that seems to be missing in a lot of instances today," said Mayor Hiatt.
Over in Little Rock on Wednesday, a standing room only crowd turned out at the Ron Robinson Theater to hear David Pryor. A talk that was scheduled weeks before the passing of Dale Bumpers. Pryor shared his stories with the audience, but much of the crowd also had connections to Bumpers.
"And I'm sitting there on one side, and Dale's there. I don't know if David was there or not, but Bill Clinton was sitting down on the floor, and he kept reaching up changing the channels on the TV. After about five times, finally Dale Bumpers said 'Bill quit changing the channel' like a father would say to his son," said an attendee to the Mark Pryor event.
In line to get Pryor's book, Mary told THV11 a 45-year-old Bumpers memory. "I remember when I first came to Arkansas in '71. I worked on the Capitol Mall and No. 2 Capitol Mall and just the lowest state position there was, but he'd come walking into the office. He'd say hello to all of us even the little girls from California."
And of course, Senator Pryor had spent some time with Bumpers, and will also be a speaker on Sunday. "I have a minor part in the memorial. I will look out there and see colleagues of Senator Bumpers, who will be here. Several of his colleagues will be flying in. I will think about our fun times together and relationships and the times we vote with and against them."
In addition to former president Bill Clinton, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton is expected to be in attendance at the memorial.
So many will have a connection with Bumpers, so if you plan on coming to the service that starts at 2:30 p.m., be sure to arrive early.
