Bush

“We can find meaning and reward by serving some higher purpose than ourselves, a shining purpose, the illumination of a Thousand Points of Light. … We all have something to give,” the quote read.

“Rest in peace, President Bush,” Strickland added.

Bush visited Memphis in 1989, giving a speech on the lawn of The Commercial Appeal on a cold, rainy Wednesday the day before Thanksgiving. Bush took the stage with Gov. Ned McWherter and volunteers who were celebrated in the newspaper’s “Thousand Points of Light” series.

“I didn’t think anybody would be out here today,” Bush’s speech began in front of a crowd of about 1,000 people.

He honored the newspaper for its commitment to honoring volunteerism.

“And for the millions across our great country who want help others in need but wonder how, this newspaper and this community are showing that there are at least a thousand ways to lead others out of the darkness,” the president said.

Bush also visited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during his stop in Memphis.

The Shelby County Democratic Party on Saturday also posted a tribute to the leader from across the political aisle.

“The Shelby County Democratic Party would like to extend condolences to the Bush family,” the local party’s tweet said. “Regardless of our differences, George H. W. Bush served with dignity. We mourn his loss with his family and our country.”

Governor-elect Bill Lee said Bush was a “tremendous public servant and leader and he was an inspiration to anyone who came into contact with him. Maria and I send our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the entire Bush family.”

Sen. Lamar Alexander, who served as Bush’s education secretary from 1991 to 1993, released a statement saying Bush may have been the only man elected president “primarily by being nice.”

“I have dozens of handwritten notes from him — as do, I suspect, hundreds of Americans,” Alexander said. “His presidency is increasingly admired for his courage and restraint: for unifying Germany, for making hard decisions that balanced the budget, and for challenging aggression to Kuwait with decisive but measured military action.”

Gov. Bill Haslam said Bush “believed public service was a high calling.”

“His life of service inspired all of us to think about what it means to put others before ourselves,” Haslam said.

Sen. Bob Corker said he and his wife cherish the memories of having Bush and his family members in their home.

“George H. W. Bush’s life was defined by service to the country he loved, and he leaves behind a remarkable legacy,” Corker said.

“His selfless service and devotion to family set an important example not only during his time in elected office, but long afterward, of what it really means to lead.”