Rep. Price Wallace, a Republican state lawmaker from Mendenhall who was known for his big cowboy hat, his knowledge of agriculture issues and his effort to restore a state ballot initiative process, has died, House Speaker Jason White said Wednesday.
Wallace was 64. White did not mention the cause of death in a statement he posted on social media.
Wallace had served in the House since winning a 2018 special election in Simpson and Rankin counties. He rose to become chairman of the House Elections Committee, where he had been pushing to restore the state ballot initiative process, an effort that has fallen short.
He is survived by his wife Cindy Stevenson, children and grandchildren.
“He believed in restoring the constitutional right for Mississippians to have a fair and accessible means of influencing state policy,” White said. “Price was a proud Republican and an asset to our state. He was always so proud of his kids and certainly enjoyed the title of granddaddy. We will miss our friend in the House. Please join me in keeping his wife, Cindy, and his family in your prayers. A good man, may he rest in peace.”
A poultry farmer who was often seen donning a cowboy hat, Wallace was remembered on Wednesday by White and other officials as a strong advocate for Mississippi’s agriculture industry.
Rep. Fred Shanks, a Republican from Brandon, said Wallace was one of the first people he met in the Legislature. He quickly learned Wallace was a reliable colleague and an expert on all things agriculture.
“Price Wallace was a stand up man who you could always count on to come through in a pinch!” Shanks wrote on social media. “If anyone has ever asked or reached out to me on an agricultural question, since I’m a concrete cowboy, I can promise you that Price was the one who ultimately answered it! He was the real deal!”
In addition to his work as a state representative, he also served as an election commissioner, according to the Simpson County Republican Party.
Brad White, executive director of the Mississippi Department of Transportation, said Wallace was like family to him.
“His word was gold,” White said. “And, if you needed someone in your corner, he was the type of fella you wanted. He leaves a strong legacy behind.”
At the Capitol, Wallace spoke often about his Christian faith and how it influenced his worldview. In a statement on social media, the Church of Mendenhall wrote that Wallace helped lead its board, “greeting you at the door with a smile and a bulletin every Sunday to grilling burgers for our youth.”
