From public servants to a decorated war hero to a master craftsman to a legendary coach and long-serving recreation figures, 2022 marked the departure of many memorable people in the Golden Triangle.
Brad Freeman, 97, Caledonia
Decorated veteran and last surviving member of the famed “Band of Brothers” company of World War II. Passed away on July 3.
Raymond Griggs, 73, Columbus
Master woodworker and furniture maker. Passed away on June 2.
DeWitt Hicks, 89, Columbus
Longtime attorney, city judge and 25-year member on the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau board (2012-19 as board president). Passed away on Aug. 10.
Mike Leach, 61, Starkville
Legendary college football coach and innovator who made his “Air Raid” offense a national sensation as head coach at Texas Tech (2000-09), Washington State (2012-19) and Mississippi State (2020-22). Passed away on Dec. 12.
Tom Rysinski, 56, Starkville
Dispatch sports editor and advocate in the fight against diabetes. Passed away on July 2.
Roger Short, 72, Columbus
Longtime Columbus and Lowndes County recreation director and high school sports official/referee. Passed away on Oct. 6.
Jack Starr, 70, Caledonia
Veteran sports official who spent more than 40 years as a referee/official, tireless advocate for softball in the Golden Triangle. Passed away on July 9.
Fred Stewart, 84, Columbus
Former Columbus city councilman (1998-2013) and vice-mayor. Passed away on Jan. 11.
George Wade, 88, West Monroe, Louisiana
Former Columbus mayor (1997-2001), businessman and manager of the Lowndes County Farmers Cooperative (20 years). Passed away on Oct. 13.
Sam Westmoreland, 18, Tupelo
Mississippi State freshman football player. Passed away on Oct. 19.
Lynn Wright, 69, Columbus
Former coach, teacher, school superintendent and state representative. Passed away on June 17.
Slim Smith is a columnist and feature writer for The Dispatch. His email address is [email protected].
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