I worked at Gwatney Chevrolet from 1987 to 1988, After getting out of the Air Force. Then moved back to North Carolina to work with my father. I havnt seen Bill since, but these pictures posted here, bring him righht back to me... of coarse alot younger then. What a shame. I will never understand this kind of senceless crime. And to Harold... Thank you for my job back then, when I really needed it. My thoughts and prayers will be with you, and your family.

Sometimes words seem so inadequate. But sometimes, words are all we have. As the news began unfolding about the shooting of Bill Gwatney, chairman of the Democratic Party in Arkansas, a sense of numbness began to set in. From where I sit, I was able to get a bit of information early on, and the information I received was not encouraging in the least. And then came the news that no one wanted to hear. No one. Including me. I had the privilege for several years of covering the Arkansas Legislature during my time as managing editor of the The Daily Citizen in Searcy, and during that time, I became fairly well acquainted with Bill Gwatney. He always struck me as a capable senator, acerbic at times, well read on the issues, and not particularly willing to suffer fools gladly. A lot like Mike Beebe, actually. Who was, in truth, the reason I was able to get the kind of access to the workings of the Legislature that I had during those years. The reason I was able to interview senators like Bill Gwatney, and to learn a tremendous amount about the reasoning that went into many of the bills that were introduced was because Mike Beebe, now our Governor, told his colleagues that I was tough at times, but always fair. It enabled me to get a good sense of the thoughtfulness that goes into much legislation, and the hard work that goes into getting that legislation passed into law. During that time I was privileged not only to see Senator Bill Gwatney at work, but to also see that he was human, he was well aware of the privilege he had been given to serve the people of this state he loved so well, and that he wanted what was best for Arkansas. But this is not a political statement. It’s a personal statement. It’s a statement of respect for a man I have tremendous respect for, and a man who was taken from us far too soon for reasons that we will probably never be able to fathom. So, if you will indulge me just a tiny bit, I’d like to tell you a story about the Bill Gwatney I met back during those days when Mike Beebe was wrapping up a long and successful senate career, and Bill Gwatney was working with then-Senator Beebe and a host of others to make this the best state he could. I took my son, Zachary, to the State Capitol one day to see how state government worked. From the floor of the Senate, Mike Beebe introduced Zachary, asked him to stand, and he received applause from the assembly. I don’t know if Zack appreciates that moment all these years later, but you can bet that I do. I also remember Senator Jim Hill getting into a paper wad fight with Zack on the Senate floor and I was terrified that Senator Beebe, President Pro Tem, would toss all of us right out of the chamber and into the street. Good times. But I digress. Later, I visited with Senator Gwatney in his office about Senator Beebe’s tenure in the Senate. It was a good interview, but Bill Gwatney cut it short, mainly because he wanted to visit with Zack. With my son. Not me, the reporter, but with my son. They talked about how government works and then they talked about sports. Senator Gwatney spent about an hour with Zack, at the end of which, he gave him a hockey puck that he had gotten at a professional hockey game. He didn’t have to do that. He certainly didn’t owe me any favors. I wasn’t in a position to do anything for him. He just did it because he was a decent guy who liked kids. And that’s the most important thing that I remember. For an hour, Bill Gwatney wasn’t a banker, he wasn’t the owner of a car dealership, he wasn’t a powerful senator, he was just a good and decent guy who liked kids and who spent an hour with my son talking to him about the value of public service and then talking about sports. Arkansas has lost a valuable public servant who spent countless hours trying to make things better for people he didn’t even know, simply because they live in Arkansas. Governor Mike Beebe and those who work closely with him have lost a good and loyal friend who often placed their interests above his own. The Gwatney family has lost a son, a father, and a husband who loved his family and worked hard to make sure that this state would be a better place for them. My heart goes out to all the people who knew and cared about and loved Bill Gwatney. And on a personal level, I lost a good and decent guy who spent an hour with my son when he probably had a whole lot of other things he could have been doing, but he spent that hour even though it brought him not one ounce of political capital, not one dollar in campaign contributions, not one iota of influence. He just did it because he liked kids, and for that moment in time, he liked my kid. Believe me, that goes a long way with me. And when you think about it really hard, those of us who labor in state government at whatever level, who put tremendous effort into making life better; we do it for the kids, for the future of our beloved state. Whatever we remember about Bill Gwatney, I hope we remember that he did what he did for the kids, for the future, for Arkansas. I hope we remember that. I hope that we honor that. And I hope that we work for that. Not just for Bill Gwatney. But for the kids.

I use to work with Bill Gwatney's nephew, David Gwatney. I never met Bill but if he was anything like his nephew, I know he was a good person. I give my condolenses to the family. David, I am sorry about your loss. Your uncle seem to have been a very good, kindhearted man. He look like he could have been your dad because the two of you look so much alike. You definitely have the same smile and eyes. I had never seen him before this but I can tell you are definitely his nephew. I will continue to pray for you and your family. May Bill rest in perfect peace.

My deepest sympathy to Bill's family, friends, business and political acquaintances, etc. Such a senseless tragedy. I was on a trip when I saw a news flash in the airport. I had no idea what the details were, but I was upset. Since the man who killed Bill was also killed, it may be harder to find the motive. It won't bring Bill back, but I would like to know why this happened. With my deepest sympathy, Al

I've known Bill since he was 17 years old. He hired me in the bank that his father owned in Jacksonville in 1984. Bill was married to my life-long friend's daughter at the time of his tragic death. He was smart, fun-loving and hard working. He put a lot into anything in which he believed. He has touched a lot of people's lives, including mine. He will be missed by many. God bless all the Gwatney family.

I worked for Russell & Harold in 1990, they are a wonderful family!!! I am so sorry for this terrible loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this very difficult time. May God be with each of you.

Bill Gwatney was a lifelong friend; he was that once in a lifetime friend, who you could run into after two years and so of being away, each time it was like our last talk was yesterday. Bill and I were born just months apart when we became neighbors and lifelong friends in Jacksonville. Our friendship grew over the years that followed as life seemed to physically separate us as neighbors when my familie's military tour took us to the Middle-East just months after the 6-Day War ended in Israel. Upon our familie's return from that volatile foreign soil, Bill and I often visited with one-another at church and caught up on old times. Bill Gwatney's genuine nature, his equally genuine smile, his spirit of life and his passion for truth and justice in American politics will live with me forever to pass on. Bill and I spoke about 6 months ago by phone from my home in California, when again, our friendship never missed a beat. His far reach of absolute integrity will never be forgotten and has encouraged me to push forward with the same. Our best to all your family. John Rupert, Moreno Valley, CA

My favorite memory of Bill Gwatney was when I was working for Gwatney Wrecker Service. One day he came in and grabbed the classifieds from the newspaper and sat down at one of the desk. I said, " How are you?" Bill said, I'm fine! I'm looking for a job!! Bill Gwatney was always friendly with each of his employees! Such a tragic loss! My prayers go out to his family! This is so hard to understand!

As a pastor friend to father Harold I want to express my profound sorrow at the death of his son Bill. I know his boys were his pride and joy. Our prayers are with you all. Rev Fred Morton, Bartlett TN.

As a pastor friend to father Harold I want to express my profound sorrow at the death of his son Bill. I know his boys were his pride and joy. Our prayers are with you all. Rev Fred Morton, Bartlett TN.

The Gwatney's are the most generous, loving family I have ever known. I first met Russell and Harold in 1988 when I went to work for them in Memphis. After 20 years, Russell continues to be a dear friend. My father passed away two weeks ago and his concern and support for me helped so much. There are no words to tell him and his family just how sorry I am for their loss. May they feel the prayers being poured out for them and may God show up for them in a very real and miraculous way. I love you all.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Gwatney but my thoughts and prayers go out to all his family and friends. His life was taken way too soon. People who knew him and those who didn't have lost a well respected man that has done so much for not only the state of Arkansas but for the country. May God be with his loved ones and guide them through this horrible time.

In July, my cousin sent me a newsletter about Nora Venable Gwatney. Since my maiden name is Venable, I started doing research on my family tree. I was excited to learn about my ancestors, and did extra research on the Gwatney/Venable connection. I am saddened to hear of Bill Gwatney's senseless death for any reason, and to think he may have been a relative, makes me even more sad. My prayers & thoughts go out to his family during this time, and I pray for them to feel the loving arms of Jesus around them as they deal with this senseless act of violence.

As the Democratic Party Chair in Gonzales County Texas, I would like to express the heartfelt appreciation and sincere condolences of all of the Democrats of Gonzales County Texas. Ken Mosher II

I have known Bill and family since the 1960s. We were neighbors in Jacksonville. Several times I had to keep Rusty from pounding on Bill. He was about 5 years younger than me and Rusty was two years older than me. I played American legion for Gwatney and Harold wrote me a recommendation letter so I could get into college. I will remember him, more than his adult years, but the ones that we used to hang out when we were young--a long time ago. We all go our separate ways, but a shared childhood bond is still just too good to have a killer break. My deepest sympathy to the family from a close friend from a long time ago. Even though I do not live in Jacksonville any more, the pain is deep and will last a long time.

My true thoughts and prayers go out to the Gwatney family. Bill was a great man and business man. Arkanasas was a better place with him. Sad people have to do the things they do. You will be missed by all. You have touched the heart of 1000's of people in your career.

It is rare when a man of Mr. Gwatney's stature devotes his time and energy to the greater good of the nation. Let us not forget this type of passion and commitment; pick up the torch and carry on his legacy of public service for the greater good of our nation. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and may God Bless him in eternity.

Minou and I were shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. We have known Bill and his family for over 30 years in the Chevrolet business. Our 20 group will certainly feel this loss as well. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. George Fritze

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mr. Gwatney at this difficult time.

What a tradegy. Horrific, abominable, senseless. Bill was loved and respected by all who knew him. My deepest heartfelt sympathies to all he touched. Bless his family and loved ones

I didn't know Mr. Gwatney, but this was a very tragic thing. My heart goes out to his family and you are in my prayers.

Bill will be greatly missed by the Arkansas Automobile dealers. It was a pleasure to have him as a fellow Chevrolet dealer for so many years. Much love to the Gwatneys.

I didn't know Mr Gwatley but I am so saddened that things like this happen to people. WHY do people feel they can just go in and kill an innocent person just because they are a miserable human being? Senseless!!!

this is a very sad time for his family in particular and this country in general nobody deserves to be taken fron their loved ones this way may the peace of god be upon his soul and guide his family in this tragedy

My sympathies to his family. He will witness from somewhere above the success of the cause he was working for. I am appalled at the undercurrent of violence in this country. To anyone who reads this Please be a firm advocate of education and vocational formation at all levels. Education and culture is what is timeless in humanity and its legacy. Violence will not accomplsh anything and destroys. A Proud European whose parents experienced horrendous atrocities and violence and who knows best on this issue

I was a friend of his daughter's in high school and spent a lot of time at their house on weekends. Great Dad and wonderful man. My thougthts and prayers are with the family.

One of the greatest leader had gone from us!

Bill was a great leader with a vision to make our country a better place. He will be missed by the entire nation. My condolences go out to his family with whom Bill was devoted to.

"CBS News RAW:" Arkansas Democratic Party official Bill Gwatney was shot three times by an assailant at the Party's headquarters in Little Rock. Both Gwatney and the gunman have died.