ATLANTA — Carl Sanders, Georgia’s governor from 1963 to 1967 has died, according to the Governor’s office. He was 89.
Sanders was the first so-called “New South” governor whose moderate policies in a time of racial unrest attracted very favorable national attention.
Channel 2’s John Pruitt described Sanders as intelligent, poised and innovative. His administration, while not without controversy, was considered a major stride forward for Georgia. He was succeeded by Lester Maddox.
Sanders was born in Augusta on May 15, 1925. He attended the University of Georgia and played on the football team.
As a young man, Sanders gave up his role as a quarterback at UGA to go off to fight in World War II. He learned to fly a bomber, which he named in honor of his home state. He dated a Hollywood starlet. He became a lawyer, then a lawmaker, then a governor — all by the age of 37 — then went on to become a leading business figure.
As a state representative, Sanders beat a segregationist political machine, bringing a moderate Democrat’s voice and vision to Atlanta. As a state senator, he urged then-Gov. Ernest Vandiver to desegregate Georgia’s public schools. As a governor, he oversaw a period of unprecedented growth, underscored by the growing demands of an increasingly urbanized state. Schools and airports flourished during his tenure. Big-time sports — the Atlanta Braves and Falcons — came to Atlanta while he was in office.
As a businessman, he and two partners took about $300 and launched a law firm that now employs about 600 attorneys and has offices from Atlanta to Hong Kong.
Sanders spent his final working years looking at the Atlanta skyline from his 52nd-floor office. On clear days, he said he could easily see Stone Mountain.
“Georgia is a different place today,” Sanders said in a 2006 interview with the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, when he was nearing 81. “In some ways, it’s better; in some ways, it’s not. It’s certainly bigger.”
Local politicians remember Sanders
People across Georgia are remembering former Gov. Carl Sanders. Sanders is known for helping to lead Georgia away from segregation.
He only served one term, but changed a part of history in Georgia.
"I'm proud of what I did. When I pass on I hope people look at me and say I was a good governor," Sanders told Channel 2 former anchor John Pruitt shortly after leaving office.
Sanders' family said he fell on Friday, developed respiratory issues and died Sunday at the age of 89.
Gov. Nathan Deal said his death is a great loss for Georgia.
"He was one of those pioneer governors that put Georgia on the map early in his career," Deal said.
Deal said it was Sanders who led the way for a new Georgia when he integrated the state capitol and that his legacy is multifaceted.
"(He was) willing to take on difficult social issues such as civil rights issues," Deal said.
Former Gov. Roy Barnes released a statement saying:
"While the rest of the South fought integration of the public schools with threats of closing all public education, Carl Sanders, with a steady hand and a cool head, guided Georgia through this very difficult time in our history. The prosperous Georgia we know today was a result of the leadership of Carl Sanders."
Sen. Johnny Isakson said he had lunch at least once a year with Sanders, seeking his counsel.
"The college system and the university system will be his legacy. He made it what it is today," Isakson said.
"He is the modern example of a good southern governor and will always be remembered for that," Deal said.
Pres. Jimmy Carter released his statement on the passing of Sanders:
"Carl Sanders was an outstanding governor of Georgia, a champion of education, and a courageous proponent of ending racial segregation in our state. I was proud of his service when I was in the state senate, and continued to pursue many of his notable policies when I became governor. Rosalynn and I extend our sincere condolences and prayers to his wife, Betty, and to his family and friends."