Tribute for late JP set for today

PB to honor Shock at meeting

PINE BLUFF — The Jefferson County Quorum Court will honor the late Justice of the Peace Cleddie Shock of Pine Bluff at its meeting tonight.

He died March 3 after a lengthy illness. He was 87.

Shock served as the District 8 justice of the peace since 1995 and spent 23 years at the Pine Bluff Police Department, including four years as chief from 1973-77.

Jefferson County Judge Mike Holcomb said Friday morning that exact plans for Shock’s tribute weren’t being released because his family hadn’t been consulted.

“We want to make sure whatever we do, it’s appropriate for the family in their time of grief,” Holcomb said. “We don’t want to offend the family in any way. We just want to pay homage to a great man.”

Holcomb said Shock’s name will likely be read one last time during the roll call as part of the tribute.

Justice of the Peace Mandy Alford, who sat next to Shock at the expansive Quorum Court table for six years, said she remembers him as a diligent public servant.

“He did such a good job of thoroughly reading all the things we, as justices, have to read as part of our legislation,” Alford said. “He was always very alert up until the end. He was always very professional, and I enjoyed the time we served together.”

Holcomb described Shock’s death as a “loss of a real cornerstone of our community. He is loved and well respected by so many.”

“I can remember when I first came on as county judge, he was taking a lead role in the Quorum Court. I always looked up to him and admired him.”

As for filling Shock’s seat,

Holcomb said he will soon draft a letter to Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe with a list of suggested names to replace the late justice of the peace.

“Typically, when someone dies in office, their spouse takes over the remainder of their term,” Holcomb said. “But in this case, Mr. Shock’s wife isn’t physically able to do that, so the governor will appoint someone.”

Holcomb said the appointment “could be one of Shock’s relatives in his district who have shown interest in the position. But the governor has the final say.”

Whoever is chosen will serve until the end of the year, when Shock’s term expires.

Democrat Verdell Baker and Republican Roy Agee are running for the seat in November.