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A RESOLUTION adjourning the Senate in honor and loving memory of the 1
Honorable Henry R. Wilhoit, Jr. 2
WHEREAS, Henry R. Wilhoit, Jr., of Grayson, Kentucky, was born on February 3
11, 1935, and departed this life on September 12, 2022, surrounded by his family. He is 4
fondly remembered for a life of service and leaves behind a legacy to those fortunate to 5
have known him; and 6
WHEREAS, Henry Wilhoit earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University 7
of Kentucky in 1960, and continued a family tradition in private practice as the fourth 8
generation of trial lawyers that now spans six generations and dates back to 1867. During 9
his tenure in private practice, he served as Grayson City Attorney, Carter County 10
Attorney, and as the president of the Kentucky Bar Association; and 11
WHEREAS, Henry Wilhoit received a nomination from President Ronald Reagan 12
in 1981 for a seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. 13
In 1998, he became Chief Judge of the Eastern District, and achieved the role of a senior 14
status judge in 2000. Judge Wilhoit honorably served for over forty years in this pinnacle 15
role and stood as a pillar of ethics and legal precedent within the region and nationally; 16
and 17
WHEREAS, as a judge, Henry Wilhoit commanded the courtroom, but he also had 18
an equally commanding presence on stage as a vivid story teller, delivering captivating 19
speeches. He was known for his vocal talent in performing the recitative solo "Thus Saith 20
the Lord," from Händel's Messiah; and 21
WHEREAS, Henry Wilhoit fostered a love of music, and had a penchant for 22
singing "My Old Kentucky Home" at University of Kentucky football games. As a 23
student, he was a member of the University of Kentucky Marching 100 Band and later he 24
served his alma mater on the Board of Trustees and president of the UK Alumni 25
Association. Individuals that were to appear on the Judge's docket often knew to check 26
the University of Kentucky game schedule as he rarely missed a home or away game; and 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 23 RS BR 1114
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WHEREAS, Henry Wilhoit carried a lifelong love for his childhood sweetheart, 1
Jane Horton Wilhoit. His legacy is continued by their three children; Mary Jane (Wes) 2
Phelps, H. Rubert (Missy) Wilhoit, III, and William (Michelle) Wilhoit as they continued 3
the family tradition and pursued legal careers; and 4
WHEREAS, Henry Wilhoit will be long remembered with words such as icon, 5
giant, mentor, and friend; 6
NOW, THEREFORE, 7
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 8
Kentucky: 9
Section 1. The members of the Senate do hereby honor the life and 10
accomplishments of the Honorable Henry R. Wilhoit, Jr., and extend profound sympathy 11
upon his passing to his family, friends, and community. 12
Section 2. When the Senate adjourns this day, it does so in honor of the 13
Honorable Henry R. Wilhoit, Jr. 14
Section 3. The Clerk of the Senate is directed to transmit a copy of this 15
Resolution to Senator Robin Webb for delivery. 16