George Busbee facts for kids
George Busbee (born August 7, 1927, died July 16, 2004) was an important American politician. He served as the 77th Governor of Georgia from 1975 to 1983. After being governor, he worked as a senior partner at a law firm.
Quick facts for kids
George Busbee
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| 77th Governor of Georgia | |
| In office January 14, 1975 – January 11, 1983 |
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| Lieutenant | Zell Miller |
| Preceded by | Jimmy Carter |
| Succeeded by | Joe Frank Harris |
| Chair of the National Governors Association | |
| In office August 5, 1980 – August 11, 1981 |
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| Preceded by | Otis Bowen |
| Succeeded by | Richard Snelling |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
George Dekle Busbee
August 7, 1927 Vienna, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | July 16, 2004 (aged 76) Savannah, Georgia, U.S. |
| Resting place | Peachtree Memorial Park Norcross, Georgia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Mary Beth Talbot
(m. 1949) |
| Children | 4 |
| Education | Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College University of Georgia (BA, LLB) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Navy |
Contents
Early Life and Education
George Busbee was born in Vienna, Georgia. He attended Georgia Military College and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Later, he joined the U.S. Navy to serve his country.
After his time in the Navy, Busbee continued his studies. He went to the University of Georgia and its law school in Athens, Georgia. He earned a bachelor's degree in 1949 and a law degree in 1952.
Political Career in Georgia
After finishing law school, George Busbee started his own law practice. He then began his career in politics.
Serving in the House
Busbee served nine terms in the Georgia House of Representatives. This means he was a state lawmaker for a long time. He also worked as a floor leader for Governor Carl Sanders.
In 1967, there was a big election for governor. Busbee was one of many Democrats who voted for the Republican candidate, Howard Callaway. They voted against the Democratic nominee, Lester Maddox, who supported segregation. The legislature chose Maddox to be governor.
Becoming Governor
In 1974, George Busbee ran for governor. He won the Democratic nomination. In the final round of voting, he defeated former governor Lester Maddox. Busbee then won the main election against Ronnie Thompson, a Republican.
Busbee became the 77th Governor of Georgia in 1975. He was a very popular governor.
Two Terms as Governor
In 1976, voters in Georgia approved a change to the state's constitution. This change allowed a governor to serve two terms in a row. George Busbee was the first governor to do this.
He was re-elected for his second term in 1978. He easily won against Republican Rodney Cook. During his time as governor, Zell Miller served as his Lieutenant Governor.
Life After Politics
After serving as governor, Busbee joined a law firm in Atlanta. He moved to Duluth, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta.
Family Life
George Busbee was married to Mary Elizabeth "Mary Beth" Talbot. She was from Ruston, Louisiana. Mary Beth studied biological sciences and worked as a medical technician. She met George when he was a law student.
As the First Lady of Georgia, Mary Beth Busbee encouraged people to volunteer. She also co-authored a cookbook about recipes served at the governor's mansion. The Busbees had four children: Beth, Jan, George Jr., and Jeff.
After his time as governor, the Busbees started a church in their home. This church is now known as Parkway Baptist Church.
Legacy and Remembrance
George Busbee passed away on July 16, 2004, from a heart attack. He was 76 years old.
Many places in Georgia are named in his honor. These include:
- George Busbee Parkway in Cobb County
- Busbee Drive near the Town Center Mall
- Busbee Hall at the University of Georgia
- The Busbee Center at Gwinnett Technical College
