WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today issued the following statement on the passing of William D. Mounger:

“With the passing of Billy Mounger, our state and nation have lost a patriot, a fighter, a job creator, a philanthropist and so much more. He will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders in the development of Mississippi’s modern Republican Party. He believed in the American dream and he embodied it. You always knew where Billy Mounger stood, and he always stood for the conservative, free-market values that made our nation great. I am proud to have been his friend. Gayle and I will miss him. We send our condolences to Jan and his wonderful family.”