BAY MINETTE, Ala. — News of the death Thursday of Baldwin County Circuit Judge Harry Wilters spread quickly among the county’s juridical community.

So did accolades for the Loxley resident affectionately called “Judge Harry,” who was known to offer freshmen attorneys encouragement and mentoring gained during 58 years of legal experience.

“Harry Wilters was a knowledgeable lawyer and judge,” said Circuit Judge Charles Partin. “He always shared that knowledge with young lawyers.

“He mentored me when I was a new judge. Judge Wilters had a keen insight to politics. When asked, he gave sage advice for which I am grateful. The people of Baldwin have suffered a great loss with his passing.”

Wilters, 84, was an Eagle Scout and served in the Army Air Corps in the Japan occupation. He was a graduate of the University of Alabama and Cumberland School of Law in 1952. He practiced law in Baldwin County until 1975 when he was elected Circuit Court Judge. He also served as a special appointed Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court on at least two occasions.

He was State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was also a 32 degree Mason and a member of the Jesters.

Before becoming a judge he was an Auxiliary State Trooper. He also served as an instructor of Business Law at Faulkner State Community College. He loved to fish, smoke cigars and be involved in his county and community organizations serving on a number of boards and committees.

“Baldwin County has truly lost a good man with the passing of Judge Harry Wilters, Jr.,” according to presiding District Court Judge Jody Bishop. “As a new, young judge when I took the bench 10 years ago, I could always count on a kind word or some good advice from Judge Harry. He will surely be missed.”

Sheriff Huey “Hoss” Mack described Wilters as a mentor.

“He was always supportive of me,” Mack said. He taught me no matter what the age or level of experience you always respect another person’s position and treat them like you want to be treated.”

District Attorney Hallie Dixon called Wilters a “well-respected figure” in Baldwin County.

“His many years of public service, especially those long after his retirement, are a testament to his character and dedication,” Dixon said His impact on the legal community will continue to be felt for a long time to come.”

Wilters was on the bench when Circuit Judge Lang Floyd began practicing as an attorney.

“He really meant a lot to me and I will miss him,” Floyd said. What a great personality in the legal world was Judge Harry.”

Floyd offered two anecdotes from his association with Wilters:

 One day, as a young lawyer, I was sitting in his courtroom watching a trial. All of a sudden he stopped court and "ordered me into his office." I was scared because I was just sitting there not even involved in the case.

When I went into his office, he said, "Why are you the only lawyer sitting in here watching this case? This  is good case with two really good lawyers and all I see is the young lawyers walking around outside. Go get them and tell them to come in here and learn how to try a case."

I did it. You see, he always cared about young lawyers and he wanted us to become good lawyers. He knew we could learn more watching than standing around talking. 

I was in front of Judge Harry with my client who was being sentenced after being convicted of a drug offense.

Immediately upon sentencing, Judge Harry noticed that he did not have a deputy in the courtroom. He promptly stepped down from the bench, took my client by the arm and began escorting him to the jail! With me following along.

On the way, he was met by a deputy that took over.