Some comments from letters follow.
Richard P. Ieyoub, a three-term Louisiana attorney general, wrote about the landmark state settlements with tobacco companies, an effort Scruggs led: "Obviously, Dickie's legal ability had much to do with his accomplishments, but it was his character that garnered the respect and confidence of attorneys general across our nation.
"Few would have been able to field such a formidable and united team, but no attorney general could deny the courage and conviction that fortified Dickie's efforts, and it became our honor to have taken our roles in the pursuit of his 'absurd little theory'."
Pascagoula musician Libby Watson, Scruggs' sister-in-law, noted Scruggs mother, Helen, had died two days before Katrina.
"Despite the death of his mother, Dickie flew to the Coast daily helping all his family, friends, neighbors and strangers. He did all this, once again, without hesitation or fanfare and at his own expense. He took no time to grieve his own loss until everyone was taken care of. He is not a greedy rich man that the press makes him out to be. He shares with others the wealth he is blessed to have."
William Winter recruited Scruggs to join his Jackson law firm in 1977. The former governor talked about Scruggs' financial support for community causes and his devotion to his wife and two children, Zach and Claire.
"I make these observations purely out of my genuine interest in and concern for a long-time friend who has made a grievous mistake. I hope that they will be considered appropriate and helpful."
Vaughn L. Grisham, professor and director, in the Ole Miss College of Liberal Arts: "In the entire history of the University of Mississippi, no one has given so generously to the Liberal Arts, which is the heart and soul of our school. Because of their gifts, we have been able to retain distinguished professionals and add to their numbers. When I thanked Dick personally, he deferred with good humor by saying "... well, much of the money was (wife) Diane's."
Lowell Bergman wrote about a stalemate in the $248 million, multi-state tobacco settlement when Brown & Williamson refused to let whistle-blower Jeffrey Wigand off the hook: "Mr. Scruggs told the industry the deal was off. That meant he might not be able to collect literally tens of millions or more in fees.
"At the time that stalemate impressed everyone, when he declared, 'We're not going to leave any soldiers on the battlefield.' In the end the company relented and this historic deal was done."
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