Clarence Cason

James Wayne Flynt, born October 4, 1940, is an Emeritus University Professor in History at Auburn University, recognized for his extensive teaching awards and long tenure as a Distinguished University Professor. His scholarly pursuits centered on Southern culture, Alabama politics, Southern religion, educational reform, and poverty. Flynt played a key role as the inaugural Editor-in-Chief for the online Encyclopedia of Alabama. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard College and advanced degrees from Florida State University. After a decade teaching at Samford University, he joined Auburn's faculty in 1977, retiring in 2005. Flynt was also a personal friend of the author Harper Lee.

Flynt's prolific writing career includes 13 books, many examining the historical, economic, and social landscape of Alabama. Two of his works, 'Poor But Proud: Alabama's Poor Whites' and 'Alabama: A History of a Deep South State,' received Pulitzer Prize nominations. His contributions to understanding Alabama's history and culture were further acknowledged when the University of Alabama journalism department awarded him the Clarence Cason Writing Award in 2002. He was inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor in 2006 and received the Eugene Current-Garcia Award in 2004. Flynt was married to the late Dorothy, and they had two sons, Sean and David.

James Wayne Flynt dedicated a significant portion of his career to academia, serving as a professor in the History Department at Auburn University until his retirement in 2005. His expertise lay in Southern culture, a broad area encompassing Alabama politics, religious traditions of the South, efforts in education reform, and the persistent issue of poverty. He was recognized with numerous teaching accolades and held the prestigious title of Distinguished University Professor for many years. Flynt was instrumental in the creation and development of the online Encyclopedia of Alabama, serving as its first Editor-in-Chief. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts from Howard College, followed by Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees from Florida State University. Prior to his long tenure at Auburn, he taught for twelve years at Samford University.

Flynt authored thirteen books, primarily focusing on the historical, economic, and social dimensions of Alabama. Among his notable publications are 'Poor But Proud: Alabama's Poor Whites' and 'Alabama: A History of a Deep South State,' both of which garnered Pulitzer Prize nominations. His commitment to documenting the state's heritage was further highlighted by his role as editor-in-chief of the online Encyclopedia of Alabama. Flynt's work earned him significant recognition, including the Clarence Cason Writing Award from the University of Alabama's journalism department in 2002, an award given to authors closely connected to or writing about Alabama. He was also inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor in 2006 and received the Eugene Current-Garcia Award in 2004.

Beyond his academic and writing achievements, Wayne Flynt maintained a notable personal connection with author Harper Lee, renowned for 'To Kill a Mockingbird.' He was a close friend of Lee's and delivered the eulogy at her funeral. Following her passing in 2016, Flynt penned a book detailing their friendship, titled 'Mockingbird Songs: My Friendship with Harper Lee,' published in 2017. His early life involved frequent moves across the South due to his father's sales career, eventually settling in Anniston, Alabama, where he completed high school. Flynt was married to the late Dorothy, and together they had two sons, Sean and David.