William L. Sullivan, 1943
Henderson, Kentucky

Deceased

William L. Sullivan made his mark in the law, in public service, and in international air racing.  In addition to building a successful law practice in Henderson, Kentucky, Sullivan became a key figure in the revision of the Kentucky Constitution, for which he received the Governor’s Award for Service.  Sullivan also chaired the Joint House-Senate Committee of the Kentucky General Assembly that restructured Kentucky’s court system in the 1970s.  For that work, he received the Circuit Judges’ Award for Service. 

Sullivan also had a long and distinguished career in Kentucky politics and public affairs.  He was a member of the Kentucky State Senate for 20 years, ten of them as either majority leader or president pro tempore.  He was a candidate for lieutenant governor, served as acting lieutenant governor for more than a year, and as acting governor on more than 60 occasions.  Sullivan also served on or chaired several state commissions, including the Kentucky Lottery Commission, the Kentucky Racing Commission, and the Kentucky Air Board.  He was also chair of the Kentucky Democratic Party.

Sullivan’s accomplishments in the air began with his service flying P-47 fighters in World War II.  He continued to hone his skills as a pilot following the war, eventually becoming one of the top ten racing pilots in America.  In 1975, he won the National Championship formula one silver trophy.  The following year, he won the International Grand Prix Trophy in France, making him the top racing pilot in the world.  For many years, he held the European racing circuit speed record.