[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 206 (Thursday, December 14, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1234-E1235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF THE HONORABLE JOHNNY WAYNE ``JUDGE'' McLARTY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 14, 2023

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life 
of The Honorable Johnny Wayne ``Judge'' McLarty who died on Monday, 
December 11, 2023, at Baptist Memorial Hospital--North Mississippi.
  Born on May 28, 1950, to the late Clara Mae and John Murry McLarty, 
Judge spent his entire life in Oxford, dedicating his heart and soul to 
his community. Serving as a judge since 1979, he was the second-
longest-elected Justice Court Judge in the State of Mississippi. 
Renowned as a devoted Ole Miss Sports enthusiast, he earned legendary 
status in Left Field and ushered in countless fans over the years. 
While he cherished his Rebels, his greatest joy came from supporting 
the Lafayette County School District and its athletic programs.
  Throughout the years, he actively participated in various roles, 
including coach, umpire, and videographer. He even drove a bus route 
for nearly two decades. As a charter member of the Splinter Valley 
Hunting Club, he enjoyed numerous days engaged in hunting and fishing. 
Judge was a dedicated member of Taylor Baptist Church and the Mason 
Lodge #33 in Oxford, fostering cherished friendships among his fellow 
masons. In addition to his judicial duties, he volunteered as a deputy 
with the sheriff's department, served as a 911 dispatcher, and worked 
as an EMT at Oxford-Lafayette County Hospital. His ability to 
fulfillment in his career was a testament to his passion.
  Judge was not only a central figure in numerous professional and 
personal circles but, most importantly, the cornerstone of his family. 
He never missed a significant event in the lives of his children and 
grandchildren, going

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so far as to livestream a graduation from his hospital bed. His 
unwavering commitment to his career, friends, and family endured until 
his final moments. Mere hours before his passing, he was sworn in for 
his 12th term as Justice Court Judge, a ceremony presided over by his 
longtime friend, Judge Howorth. Even now, his thoughts centered on his 
loved ones and the community he was honored to serve.
  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, 
Debbie Tatum McLarty, and his sister, Jeanette Wells. Judge is survived 
by his daughter, Deanna McLarty Massey and her husband, Bruce; son, 
Chad McLarty and his wife, April; brothers-in-law, Dewey Wells and 
Jimmy Tatum and his wife, Theda; seven grandchildren, Austin McLarty 
(Caitlan), Lee Murray McLarty, Alexis McLarty, Taylor Jackson, Bailey 
Jackson, Rex Massey, and Smith Massey; and two great-grandchildren, 
Myles McLarty and May Ann McLarty.

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