Local law enforcement assisted the Georgia State Patrol in escorting the body of former U.S. Senator and Georgia Governor Zell Miller through North Georgia on Friday.Miller passed away March 23 in the same mountain home where he grew up with his widowed mother. He was 86.
READ Former Georgia Governor Zell Miller dies
McDonald and Son Funeral Home transported Miller’s body from Young Harris to the funeral home in Cumming. Along the way, the hearse passed through White County.
Several services will be held next week in Miller’s honor. At 11 a.m. Wednesday, the executive state funeral for the former governor will take place in the Capitol rotunda.
Zell Miller remembered
Miller spent most of his adult life in public service. News of his passing drew condolences from state and national leaders.
Former President George W. Bush says “a great patriot has passed away.” Bush said in a statement Friday that Miller “was an example of service before self, country before party, principle before poll.”
“Laura and I are saddened to learn that a great patriot has passed away. Zell Miller deeply loved his family and his country, and he served both faithfully throughout his remarkable life…” Read President George W. Bush’s full statement on Zell Miller: https://t.co/syBpWsxXiR
— George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) March 23, 2018
Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle says Miller will be remembered as the “Governor who gave Georgia Hope.”
“One of the great honors of my time in public service was serving under Governor Zell Miller,” Cagle says. “Through his passion for education, love for the people of our state, and dedication to giving Georgians the same opportunities that led a boy from a small mountain town to become one of the greatest leaders of the 20th Century, Governor Miller leaves a legacy that will always be honored and celebrated.”
Gov. Nathan Deal calls Miller a “favorite son and true statesman.” He lauds his public achievements but adds he was sure that Miller was most proud of what he achieved “as a dutiful son, a loving husband, and a proud father and grandfather.”
“I was honored to serve with him in the Senate and have cherished his counsel for decades,” says Deal. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones, of which he had many. May God bless him and keep him.”
Photo courtesy wrwh.com. WRWH Radio 1350AM Clevelend, GA contributed to this report.
