Though most of us probably didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Bert Case, we felt like we knew him.

We welcomed him into our homes as he reported on every major news story in Mississippi since 1965. The legendary reporter died Thursday after a long illness.

As soon as the news of his death spread, condolences spread across the Internet and social media.

“For more than 50 years, Bert Case told the stories of Mississippi, aggressively and fairly holding her leadership accountable and eloquently celebrating her people. He was a gentleman whose signature sign-off made him an icon. Deborah and I are saddened by his passing. He leaves a beautiful legacy and will be missed by all who knew him,” Gov. Phil Bryant said in a statement.

He had a way of connecting to the viewer with just enough edge, just enough humor, and just enough pizazz. We are not likely to see another like him anytime soon — a true Mississippi Classic!,” Sen. Roger Wicker said.

“Today the emergency management community lost a dear friend and the state lost a great man.  Bert has reported some of the most destructive disasters in this country’s history from Hurricane Camille to Hurricane Katrina.  Bert and I established a special bond leading up to Hurricane Katrina’s landfall that has lasted to this day.  The last time I spoke with him was during his coverage of the Katrina 10-year Anniversary on August 29 on the Mississippi coast.  He was a dear friend that I will miss.  My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Mary and their family as they deal with this loss and face the difficult days ahead,” MEMA Executive Director Robert Latham said.

Case was awarded the Distinguished Civilian Service Medal and was inducted into the Mississippi Associated Press Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in 2004.
He leaves a big hole in the small world that is Mississippi journalism. He will be greatly missed.