Celebrating a Quiet Icon: Percy Lewis Enters Mississippi Walking Horse Association Hall of Fame
Written by: Tommy Williams
email:tommywhc@aol.com
931-492-2825
WHC Publisher-Williams Media Entertainment
SALLIS, Miss.—Under the warm glow of a Mississippi evening, the tight-knit town of Sallis rallied around one of its most beloved figures as Percy Lewis was enshrined in the Mississippi Walking Horse Association (MWHA) Hall of Fame. The ceremony, brimming with applause, honored a man whose life’s work has been defined not by words, but by an unshakable devotion to the Tennessee Walking Horse—a legacy woven into the very fabric of his community.
The Silent Steward of the Walking Horse
Percy Lewis has never sought the spotlight. Yet for over five decades, his hands—calloused from years of training, grooming, and guiding—have shaped the future of the breed he cherishes. From the dusty arenas of Mississippi to the bustling stalls of regional shows, Percy’s quiet presence has been a constant. Colleagues describe him as a man who “speaks
through saddles,” mentoring novices with patience, advocating for ethical horsemanship, and embodying the timeless values of rural Mississippi.
His induction speech, delivered not by Percy himself but through the stories of those he inspired, painted a portrait of humility. A longtime friend remarked, “Percy’s not one for fanfare. But when he smiles, you know you’ve witnessed something rare.” His child, voice with pride, added: “Dad’s always let his work do the talking. Today, seeing everyone honor him… it’s like watching the whole town return the love he’s given for years.”
Like fellow Hall of Famer Mike Farley, whose decades of service set a precedent, Percy’s legacy is etched in small acts: a repaired bridle for a struggling neighbor, a whispered tip to a nervous rider, or the gentle correction of a young horse.
Roots Run Deep: Community and Family
The MWHA Hall of Fame celebrates those who transcend individual achievement, and Percy’s story is inseparable from the community he helped build. Local shows, and county fairs bear his imprint—not through plaques, but through generations of riders he’s inspired. “He’s the backbone of this industry,” said a fellow trainer. “When Percy’s in the room, you remember why we do this: for the horses, and for each other.”
At home, that same ethos thrives. Percy nurtured a family where passion for horses walks hand-in-hand with integrity. His child, reflecting on lessons learned, shared: “Dad taught me that respect isn’t earned in the winner’s circle—it’s earned in the stable at dawn, when no one’s watching.”
A Legacy in Motion
For Percy, the Hall of Fame induction is not an endpoint, but a milestone in a journey far larger than himself. As attendees lingered after the ceremony, swapping stories of his kindness and grit, one truth resonated: Percy Lewis represents the unsung heroes who sustain traditions through quiet perseverance.
“This honor isn’t just about me,” Percy reportedly told a friend afterward, eyes glistening. “It’s about every hand that’s ever held a reins, every kid who’s ever dreamed of riding.”
**To Percy Lewis—**a man who let horses and heartbeats speak louder than words. Your legacy, much like the gait of a Tennessee Walker, flows onward, steady and sure.
