Rankin Fite | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Speaker of theAlabama House of Representatives | |
| In office 1967–1971 | |
| Preceded by | Albert P. Brewer |
| Succeeded by | G. Sage Lyons |
| In office 1955–1957 | |
| Preceded by | Roberts H. Brown |
| Succeeded by | Charles C. Adams |
| Constituency | 55th (1955–1957) 59th (1967–1971) |
| Member of the Alabama House of Representatives | |
| In office 1950–1974 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1916-09-01)September 1, 1916 Montgomery, Alabama |
| Died | November 6, 1980(1980-11-06) (aged 64) Hamilton, Alabama |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Ruby Alene Morris |
| Children | Ernest Adams |
| Alma mater | University of Alabama |
Ernest Rankin Fite (September 1, 1916 – November 6, 1980) was anAlabama state legislator and attorney.
Fite was born inMontgomery, Alabama to Ernest Baxter and Minnie Watt Fite.[1] His grandfather, Bloomer Rankin Fite, established a firm and practiced law in theHamilton, Alabama area in the 1880s, with four of his sons, including Ernest Rankin's father. Ernest Baxter Fite also served in theAlabama House of Representatives andAlabama Senate forMarion County, Alabama.[2]
Fite graduated from theUniversity of Alabama with aLL.B degree in 1939 and joined his family firm after beingadmitted to the bar.[1] He was commissioned as asecond lieutenant forWorld War II where he went overseas to fly as a navigator. After the war, he returned to law practice in 1945.[2]
He was elected to theAlabama Senate in 1946 and served as a floor leader. He ran successfully for the House of Representatives in 1950 and served five consecutive terms there, serving asspeaker on two occasions.[3] While serving in the house and senate, Fite also served as bank director for the Bank of Hackleburg and president of the Marion County Banking Company.[1] During his time in the house, he sought improvements to his hometown of Hamilton, revamping streets and sewer systems.[4]
On February 16, 1968, Fite, then Speaker of the House, placed the ceremonial first9-1-1 call from the town ofHaleyville at the invitation of theAlabama Telephone Company.[5] The emergency system had been rushed into service by the Alabama Telephone Company in an effort to show the innovative prowess of the independent telephone industry.[6] Fite's call was answered by then-CongressmanTom Bevill.[6]
He retired from politics in 1974 due to failing health, having suffered fromParkinson's disease prior to retiring.[2] He died of aheart attack in 1980.[3] He was married in 1941 to Ruby Alene Morris with whom he had one son, Ernest Adams.[1]
Upon his death in 1980, Fite was described as "one of the most masterful members of the state legislature". Former governorGeorge C. Wallace commented that "[today was] truly a sad day, as we experience the loss of a man who in legislative circles had already become a legend".[3]
Speakers of theAlabama House of Representatives | ||
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Territory |  | |
| State of Alabama |
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