Virginia politicians are mourning the death of former Congressman William Wampler Sr., a longtime Republican who died Wednesday night at his Bristol home. He was 86.
Born in 1926, Wampler was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives at the age of 26, where he served just one term. He was elected again 12 years later, and went on to represent southwest Virginia in congress from 1967 to 1983. A World War II veteran, Wampler served in the Navy and later the Navy reserves.
George Allen, a Republican U.S. Senate candidate and former governor, called Wampler a “a trusted, sharp advisor to me” who was “a vibrant, creative and ardent advocate for common-sense conservative principles and ways to improve the lives and opportunities of his constituents.”
Wampler’s son, Willaim Wampler, Jr., represented the Bristol area in the Virginia Senate until this year, when he became president of the New College Institute in Martinsville.
“I have personally been touched by the passion the Wampler family has for Virginia and for creating opportunity for all of the people of the Southwest,” Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell said. “William Wampler Sr.’s legacy and the fruits of his years of public service to Southwest Virginia will be remembered and cherished for generations to come.”
Democrats, too, showed their support for “the Bald Eagle of the Cumberlands,” as Wampler was called.
“A bastion of Virginia politics and no doubt a driving force behind his district’s ‘Fighting Ninth’ nickname, William will be missed by all those he has worked with over his many years in state politics,” said former Democratic governor and U.S. Senate candidate Tim Kaine.
