Bill the Mule was more than just a mule. He was a mule that marched with his owner Morris Powell, the second vice chairman of the Walker County Democratic Party, in the 1993 and 1996 inaugural parades for President Bill Clinton in Washington D.C.Bill the Mule died Monday, May 5, and was buried at the Powell residence off Ga. 157 on Lookout MountainBill was about 30 years old.For many years, Bill was featured in various publications, newspapers and television news channels. Powell rode with Bill the Mule at the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena California shortly after the 1993 inaugural parade.Eventually Powell let Bill settle down and he purchased a donkey named Swifty. Bill enjoyed giving rides to various children in the area and was featured in area rodeos.Powell, a strong supporter of presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, said, “I guess that is my greatest memory of that old mule — he has touched some children’s lives and made them have a good day.”Swifty the Donkey has carried on Bill the Mule’s legacy by being featured in the 2000 Democratic convention in Los Angeles and the 2004 Democratic Convention in Boston. In both years the National Democratic Party named Swifty the “Official Donkey Delegate.”Bill the Mule would be proud.

(From the Walker County Messenger)