From pioneers in the field of journalism and popular music along with memorable figures in athletics, business and public service, 2023 was a year we said goodbye to many whose memories will remain a part of the story of the Golden Triangle.
Margaret Henry, 95, Columbus
Pioneering journalist who began her career in 1949 working as a correspondent for the International News Service, first in Atlanta and later in Washington, D.C. Left the profession when her husband, John, became a bank president in Columbus, but continued to support journalism and downtown Columbus as a member of the Main Street Association. Passed away on Jan. 1.
Barrett Strong, 81, West Point
Grammy-winning songwriter and key figure in the heyday of Motown. With writing partner Norman Whitfield, wrote some of Motown’s best-known hits, including “I Heard It Through The Grapevine,” “Just My Imagination,” “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby” and “Papa Was A Rolling Stone,” which earned him a Grammy Award. Passed away on Jan. 29 in Detroit, Michigan.
Joe Cade, 78, Columbus
Former CEO of 4-County Electric Power Association, active in area economic development and driving force behind the 4-County Foundation, which has provided millions of dollars for local nonprofits since its inception in 2015. Passed away on April 24.
Billy Ray Adams, 84, Columbus
Columbus Lee High legend and All-American football player (fullback) at Ole Miss during the Rebels’ glory days of the 1950s and 1960s. Inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Ole Miss Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990. In 2003, he was selected a Southeastern Conference Legend, representing Ole Miss at the SEC Football Championship game in Atlanta. Passed away June 1 at his home in Madison.
Milton Rawle, 52, Columbus
Former city of Columbus chief financial officer (2013-2019) who was convicted of embezzling an estimated $290,000 from the city between 2016 and 2018. Was sentenced to a 20-year term but would have been eligible for parole in 2026. Passed away on June 10 at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility in Pearl.
Trudy Gildea, 96, Columbus
Patron of the arts in the Golden Triangle and founder of the Suzuki Strings program in Columbus. As director, helped transform the Columbus Arts Council in the late 1970s into one of the premier arts centers in the state. Was a key figure in the Columbus Pilgrimage, hosting tours at her home, 12 Gables. Passed away on July 26.
Richard Herschede Jr., 82, Starkville
Scion of one of the great clock-making families in the United States, Herschede was the last of four generations of the family to serve as president of the Herschede Hall Clock Company, which relocated from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Starkville in 1959. Remembered not only for his guidance of the family business that was America’s first great grandfather clock company, but as an astute businessman and avid supporter of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Ed Prescott, 89, Columbus
Two-term Lowndes County Justice Court Judge (1980-1988), three-term Lowndes County Sheriff (1988-2000) and General Manager of WCBI-TV in its early days of operations. Never lost an election in five campaigns. Passed away on Dec. 22.
Slim Smith is a columnist and feature writer for The Dispatch. His email address is [email protected].
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 39 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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