FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, January 15, 2009

Georgia Delegation Offers Resolution in Honor of Judge Griffin Bell
Resolution honors Judge Bell’s dedication to service, equality

WASHINGTON – Georgia’s congressional delegation today unanimously introduced a resolution to honor the late Griffin B. Bell, former Judge and 72 nd Attorney General of the United States.  In introducing the resolution, which honors Bell’s dedication to service and the fight for equality, the members of Georgia’s delegation said:

“Judge Bell was a brilliant attorney and, in both his public and private service, inspired the best part of the law,” Congressman Jack Kingston (R/GA-1) said.  “Though he served in a tumultuous time, Judge Bell brought his sense of pragmatism and independence to tackle tough issues and serve as a driving force behind desegregation in Georgia and our Nation.  As Attorney General, he took politics out of the execution of law and brought a new sense of professionalism to Washington.  He will be sorely missed but his impact will last forever.”

“Griffin Bell changed the course of history,” said Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga. “He was a terrific lawyer with unparalleled credentials, unparalleled integrity, and someone who is going to be missed by our State and by our country. He will be remembered for his decisions to integrate school systems in Georgia and across the South, as well as his intellect, devotion to the rule of law, and for his humor. Judge Bell was a friend and advisor during my years as a lawyer in Moultrie, as well as my service in the U.S. House and the Senate.  He was a great American.”

“ Griffin Bell was one of Georgia’s greatest citizens.  He served his country with distinction as Attorney General, and he served his state for over 60 years as its most respected counselor.  Griffin Bell will be missed, but the memories of his contribution to the State of Georgia and her citizens will be treasured,” Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga. said.

“Griffin Bell was a model of fairness and integrity throughout his long and distinguished career in the law,” said Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D/GA-2).  “People from all walks of life – rich and poor, black and white, Democrat and Republican –benefited from his insight and wise counsel.  His public service has made Georgia and the nation a better place.”    

“ Griffin Bell was a great Georgian who made us all proud,” Congressman Lynn Westmoreland (R/GA-3) said.  “It was an honor to know him.”

“Judge Griffin Bell’s many tireless years as a public servant stand as an example for all Americans,” said Congressman Hank Johnson (D/GA-4).  “His 60 years of practicing law in both the private and public sector was based upon upholding the mantra of blind and fair justice. He had the ear of Presidents as well as the people of his beloved state of Georgia. He will truly be missed.”

“We mourn the loss of a great Georgian, Griffin Bell, who made a lasting contribution to the state of Georgia and the entire nation,” said Congressman John Lewis (R/GA-5)

“This nation has not known a more ardent defender of the Constitution than Griffin Bell. He was a great legal mind, a humble public servant, and a passionate man of faith and family. Griffin Bell made the life of anyone who knew him more special, just as his life made our country more exceptional,” said Congressman Tom Price, MD (R/GA-6)

“ Griffin Bell will be dearly missed, but his legacy will most certainly live on. Georgia is a stronger state thanks to Griffin Bell’s exceptional public service,” said Congressman Paul Broun, MD (R/GA-10)

“Griffin Bell was truly one of Georgia’s giants. You would be hard-pressed to find a Georgian more highly respected and revered on both sides of the aisle than Griffin Bell. The legacy of his contributions to the State of Georgia and our nation as a World War II veteran, an influential lawyer and our nation’s attorney general will not soon be forgotten and I am proud to join my colleagues in honoring his memory with this resolution,” said Congressman Phil Gingrey, MD (R/GA-11)

"Judge Bell brought new meaning and dignity to the title of 'country lawyer,' because he represented the whole country, and served the whole country, in just about every way that a lawyer can serve. His life was a great example for the rest of us, and he will be greatly missed," said Congressman John Barrow (D/GA-12)

"Griffin Bell was truly a devoted public servant and a great patriot," Congressman David Scott (D/GA-13) said.  "He will be remembered for his integrity, fairness and dedication to this great nation and forever missed.  It was an honor to have known him and I send my thoughts and prayers to his family."

Griffin Boyette Bell was born in Americus, Georgia.  After serving in the Army during World War II, he attended college at Georgia Southwestern under the GI Bill and later earned a law degree from Mercer University.  After practicing law in Savannah and Rome, Bell became a partner at King & Spalding.  In 1961, he was appointed by President John F. Kennedy to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.  President Jimmy Carter appointed Bell Attorney General in 1977.

Bell died in Atlanta on January 5 th due to complications from pancreatic cancer.  He was buried in his hometown of Americus.

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