COFFEE COUNTY, Ala. (WDHN) — Coffee County native Jimmy Holley was elected into the Alabama House of Representatives in 1974 where he served until 1994.
In 1988 he was elected to serve District 31 in the Alabama State Senate, where he served for 6 terms. Totaling 44 years on the hill.
“44 years is enough,” Former Alabama District 31 Senator, Jimmy Holley said. “I got retired.”
His colleagues say he is one of the best to ever do it in the state of Alabama.
“Senator Holley will go down as one of the greatest statesmen, politicians that this state has ever seen and I think that’s 100% true,” Alabama State Representative, Rhett Marques said.
“He’s probably in my years of covering Alabama politics. The most capable legislator I’ve ever seen,” Alabama Political Columnist, Steve Flowers said.
Holley in Montgomery was a part of the group that helped secure funding to rebuild Elba schools after serious flooding and Enterprise schools after it was hit by a tornado.
On the hill, fellow politicians knew that if you wanted to pass legislation or need help passing it you may need the help of Jimmy Holley.
“He even took the time one time to kill one of the bills,” U.S Representative for Alabama District 2, Barry Moore said. “It didn’t take him long. I had a bill I was so excited about it guys. I got it introduced in the house and ‘Boom’ it just died. I looked at the guys around me and said ‘What’s wrong with this?’ They said, ‘Senator Holley said it was a bad idea.”‘
Holley was known as a master of the rules, as he would study and analyze every bill that would cross him and would help others understand the proposed legislation.
“You know he just didn’t know the rules he learned the rules and he learned how the rules worked,” Alabama District 31 Senator, Josh Carnley said. “It just didn’t happen. He worked hard to earn that.”
A mentor, a worthy adversary, a calm spirit, and a friend is how fellow politicians remember Jimmy Holley.
“I’m honored by your presence here. It’s been a pleasure for you to allow me to represent you in the Alabama legislature,” Holley.
