William J. Cole
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William J. Cole | |
|---|---|
| State Treasurer of Mississippi | |
| In office December 19, 1980 – January 7, 1988 | |
| Preceded by | John L. Dale |
| Succeeded by | Marshall G. Bennett |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 24, 1948 |
| Died | April 11, 2003 (aged 54) |
| Party | Democratic Party |
William J. Cole III (June 24, 1948 - April 11, 2003) was an American politician and lawyer who served as the State Treasurer of Mississippi from 1980 to 1988.
Cole was born on June 24, 1948,[1] and raised in Wayne County, Mississippi.[2] He graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1974.[3]
Political career
Cole was a member of the Democratic Party.[3] In 1971 he helped organized youth in support of William F. Winter's lieutenant gubernatorial campaign.[4] In January 1979 Cole convinced Winter to pay for his name to be added to a poll being conducted to gauge Mississippians' attitudes towards public figures. Cole reported that the results were favorable to Winter, which in part convinced him to mount a successful gubernatorial campaign that year.[2][5] Cole served as one of Winter's campaign strategists. After Winter became governor in 1980, Cole became his chief of staff.[2]
In December 1980 State Treasurer of Mississippi John Dale died.[6] Winter, who was empowered to appoint an interim treasurer, asked Cole if he would like the post. Though surprised, Cole accepted the offer.[7] He was sworn in to the treasurer's office on December 19.[6] He was succeeded by Marshall G. Bennett on January 7, 1988.[8]
In 1988 Governor Ray Mabus appointed him chairman of the State Economic Development Task Force.[9]