I was in school at Auburn when he was at his most antagonistic with "The Plainsman" and the student body in general (and vice versa). So for me he has always seemed a little slimy.
Of course there have been a lot of IPA's over the bridge since then and I can't even remember exactly what all the fuss was about. I do know that he pumped a lot of money into the place and for that he should have every Auburn alumni's gratitude. But then again, most of the buildings on campus have a "Dedicated by Gov George Wallace" plaque on them also.