Jimmy Primrose served the people of Davis and Murray County for 26 years as County Commissioner for District 3, leaving a legacy of charity and caring. Thanks to the local government and State Rep. Wes Hilliard (D-Sulphur), Primrose’s legacy will live on for years to come.
Friends, family and colleges of the late commissioner braved the biting cold wind Tuesday morning to dedicate the Commissioner Jimmy Primrose Memorial Bridge. The bridge crosses the Washita River on State Highway 7 west of Davis.
Primrose died in office on Sept. 13, 2008. Hilliard said the legislative process to get the bridge named after Primrose began in December 2008 and finally cleared in May.
“We wanted to do something to honor his memory,” he said. “He was all about helping people.”
Hilliard said the naming of bridges and highways is reserved to those who dedicate their lives to making Oklahoma a better place.
Bill Lance, County Commissioner District 3 served with Primrose on the commission, as did his father.
“They believed the county commissioner was the person that could get out and help these people,” Lance said.
The commissioner said Primrose was always out amongst the people of Davis and District 3, personally helping members of the community, and he worked hard to bring in money and projects to benefit the community.
“It didn’t matter what their social status in the world was, he was always there,” he said.
Darrell Hudson, the current District 3 commissioner, shares Lance’s sentiment. Hudson worked for Primrose in the District 3 county barn and later won the special election to fill his seat after his death.
“He helped people that were less fortunate, that most other people wouldn’t give a second look to,” Hudson said.
Hudson recalled times when Primrose would help pay for his constituents medicine or glasses, or gave them rides to the doctor.
“He always had his hand out to help other people,” he said.
Present at the dedication were several members of Primrose’s family, including Fern Primrose, his wife of 57 years. She hopes those who cross the bridge and see his name there always remember his giving nature.
“The old people were his aim,” she said. “He always tried to help them.”
Primrose said she found out nine months ago plans were in the works to name the bridge after her husband.
“I was excited,” she said. “It’s a great honor.”
Phil Banker 221-6542
