Former Mississippi lawmaker passes away

OXFORD, Miss. (WCBI)- Funeral services were set for a former Mississippi lawmaker known for his strong oratory skills.

Ed Perry, 76, died Tuesday, at his home in Oxford. He was an attorney and served as a Democrat in the Mississippi House from 1968 to 2000. Perry was chairman of several committees, including Appropriations.

Waller Funeral Home says services are 2 p.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church in Oxford.

Perry was known for reciting the “whiskey speech,” written in the 1950s by a predecessor in the Mississippi House, Noah “Soggy” Sweat.

The speech shows how a politician can advocate both sides of an issue.