CLARKSDALE, Miss.–Leon Bramlett, Jr., a former candidate for governor in 1983, died Monday. He was 92. Bramlett made a name for himself as a political pioneer in Mississippi. That was his second career.
The first was as a college football player. He played for Ole Miss, UAB and the United States Naval Academy, where he graduated in 1947.
Bramlett was from Lyon, near Clarksdale.
In 1983 he ran against former governor Bill Allain. He also served as an aide to Sen. Thad Cochran. Bramlett was his in-state representative in the Delta, until he retired in 2014.
“I am saddened by the passing of Leon Bramlett. He was a gentleman and as fine a man as you would want to meet. His service to the people of Mississippi is indicative of a life characterized by service to others and a love of family, the Delta and our country. Leon was a friend. My staff members and I extend our sincere condolences to the Bramlett family,” said Cochran.
“We have lost one of our most distinguished Mississippians. Leon represented the best of the greatest generation – the kind of patriot that made America great. At the Naval Academy he was an All-American football player and decorated boxer. He served his country as a Marine Corps officer and spent his life dedicated to serving our state. He was a pioneer for the two party system in Mississippi. I believe that Leon would have made an outstanding Governor. Gayle and I extend our deepest sympathy to his family,” said Sen. Roger Wicker.
