Hinds County Chancery Judge Dewayne Thomas has passed away at age 72.
Thomas died on Wednesday night. He was the longest-serving chancellor in the court where he presided. Authorities report that his death, though unexpected, appeared to be from natural causes.
The late judge was an attorney by trade and served as a Democrat in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1984-93. He was an assistant county attorney in Hinds County for 11 years and began his service in the chancery court in 2007.
“The Hinds County Chancery Court family has lost one of our own. Hinds County has lost a dedicated public servant, and so many of us have lost a colleague and friend whose presence cannot simply be replaced.” Judge Crystal Wise Martin said.
“I had the privilege of knowing Judge Thomas for many years, and I knew him not only as an exceptional jurist, but as a genuinely good, decent, and kind man. His legal acumen and intellect were evident to everyone who entered his courtroom, but what I will remember most is the person behind the robe. He treated people with dignity.”
Judge Wise Martin also described Thomas as “thoughtful, approachable, and kind,” adding that he carried himself with a “quiet strength that earned the respect of his colleagues, attorneys, court staff, and the citizens he served.”
Retired Hinds County Chancellor Denise Owens touted Thomas as a judge who ruled with fairness, impartiality, and care for others. She joked that the only time he showed bias was when discussing Ole Miss football.
“Chancellors are often referred to as the ‘king’s conscience’ because the king’s job was to ensure that the children, orphans, and widows were protected and treated fairly. In other words, Judge made sure those without a voice were heard. He also was an astute judge, rendering many opinions on constitutional, administrative, and corporate issues,” Judge Owens said.
“For him, being a judge was a calling. The only thing that he was not impartial about was his Ole Miss football team.”
Thomas was an ardent, lifelong Ole Miss fan, known for proudly wearing Rebel red and blue, down to his socks. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Ole Miss in 1977 and a Juris Doctor from Mississippi College School of Law, now Mississippi Christian University School of Law, in 1980.
Gov. Tate Reeves has the authority to make a special judicial appointment to fill Thomas’ seat.