A sad week in metro Atlanta grows even sadder
Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2003 4:30 pm
I'm not sure how much the national media is covering events in Georgia this week, but there have been two passings of political leaders that are legends in this area.
On Monday afternoon, former Atlanta mayor Maynard Jackson passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack. Maynard was an imposing figure...a gentle giant of a man that served three terms as mayor of the city of Atlanta. I didn't always agree with his political viewpoints, but did enjoy listening to him when he spoke. I worked security in downtown Atlanta during Maynard's last two terms as mayor, and always found him a most fascinating individual.
Last night former Georgia Governer and Lieutenant Governer Lester Maddox passed away at the age of 87. My late great-aunt and her husband were good friends of Lester and his wife. In addition to being a leading political influence for several decades in my home state, Lester was also a leading businessman....and quite a character. I'll never forget him showing off for my aunt and me when I was a little boy (Lester rode a unicycle...and loved to ride his bicycle backwards
...and he LOVED children; I always looked upon Lester as another great-uncle 
Both Lester Maddox and Maynard Jackson were contraversial at times (but aren't most politicians?)....but to most Georgians, both gentlemen will be remembered very fondly...at least they will be by this proud native Georgian
My humble condolences to both the Jackson and Maddox family, and to their many friends and supporters throughout the great state of Georgia and America.
May God Bless,
Perry
On Monday afternoon, former Atlanta mayor Maynard Jackson passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack. Maynard was an imposing figure...a gentle giant of a man that served three terms as mayor of the city of Atlanta. I didn't always agree with his political viewpoints, but did enjoy listening to him when he spoke. I worked security in downtown Atlanta during Maynard's last two terms as mayor, and always found him a most fascinating individual.
Last night former Georgia Governer and Lieutenant Governer Lester Maddox passed away at the age of 87. My late great-aunt and her husband were good friends of Lester and his wife. In addition to being a leading political influence for several decades in my home state, Lester was also a leading businessman....and quite a character. I'll never forget him showing off for my aunt and me when I was a little boy (Lester rode a unicycle...and loved to ride his bicycle backwards
...and he LOVED children; I always looked upon Lester as another great-uncle
Both Lester Maddox and Maynard Jackson were contraversial at times (but aren't most politicians?)....but to most Georgians, both gentlemen will be remembered very fondly...at least they will be by this proud native Georgian
My humble condolences to both the Jackson and Maddox family, and to their many friends and supporters throughout the great state of Georgia and America.
May God Bless,
Perry
My thoughts and prayers are with you, as well as everyone else in your city.