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Georgia leaders react to the passing of Zell Miller

The following Georgia leaders issued statements on the passing of former Georgia Governor Zell Miller. Miller died Mar. 23 at the age of 86 after battling Parkinson’s disease.

Governor Deal: 

"It is with a heavy heart that Sandra and I offer Shirley our deepest condolences on the passing of her devoted husband, Zell. Georgia has lost a favorite son and a true statesmen, and I’ve lost a dear friend. Zell’s legacy is unequaled and his accomplishments in public service are innumerable. Without question, our state and our people are better off because of him. But the mark Zell made in his private life—as a dutiful son, a loving husband, and a proud father and grandfather—are the ones of which I’m sure he was most proud. I was honored to serve with him in the Senate and have cherished his counsel for decades. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones, of which he had many. May God bless him and keep him."



U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue

“Mary and I are saddened to learn of the death of our friend, Zell Miller. A son of the mountains of north Georgia, he dedicated his life to this country, and to Georgia, as a veteran and faithful public servant. His legacy as a state legislator, lieutenant governor, governor, and U.S. senator, particularly in expanding educational opportunities for Georgia students, will resonate for generations to come. We have no doubt that in Heaven, the Marine is having a feisty debate with some of his old friends right now. Mary and I are praying for Shirley, the entire Miller family, and Zell’s many friends. May he rest in peace.”

Senator David Perdue: 

“Bonnie and I join all Georgians in mourning the loss of former Governor and U.S. Senator Zell Miller. Zell Miller touched the lives of many as a teacher, Marine, public servant, and friend. Throughout his career, Zell Miller was a strong advocate for the value of a public education and made it his mission to ensure Georgia students had the opportunity to pursue a college degree. Because of his work on the HOPE Scholarship Program, over 1.8 million Georgians have been able to attend a public college or university in Georgia who may not have been able to otherwise. His legacy will live on through them. Bonnie and I are praying for Shirley and the Miller family during this very difficult time.”

Senator Johnny Isakson:

“With the passing of Zell Miller, Georgia has lost its finest public servant, and I have lost a great friend. I do not know of anyone who impacted the lives of Georgians more than Zell. His Marine Corps values of patriotism and loyalty guided his career in service to his state and his country. Zell and Shirley will always be Georgia’s first family. I treasure their friendship. Dianne and I hold the Miller family in our prayers.”

Lt. Governor Casey Cagle:

“One of the great honors of my time in public service was serving under Governor Zell Miller. We will remember Zell as the Governor who gave Georgia Hope – a true statesman who helped build the foundation that allowed our state to prosper. 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.

“All of Georgia’s families and communities will feel the benefits of Governor Miller’s dedicated service for generations to come, and he will continue to set an example for what public service should be about. I know I speak for many Georgians when I say we will truly miss Zell Miller.

"Nita and I send our most sincere condolences to Shirley and the entire Miller family.”

Senator Butch Miller:

“Governor Miller was a friend to all who knew him. I knew him through my father-in-law, Jack Carey. Jack and Governor Miller were very close, having attended college together. One of my fondest memories of him is when he appeared on the Billy Dilworth Show.

Governor Miller truly had a positive impact on everyone he met and his impact on their lives will never be forgotten. He is an example of someone whose kingdom and legacy is not measured by what he had, but by what he did and the legacy he left behind. His commitment to this state and its citizens is truly commendable and will never be forgotten. He will have a lasting impact on Georgia through his message of honesty, decency, integrity and public service.

We will keep his family, friends and all of those he impacted in our thoughts and prayers. Today Georgia lost a legend, but his legacy will live on forever.”

Congressman Buddy Carter:

"Today I join my fellow Georgians in mourning the loss of an incredible man, former Senator and Governor Zell Miller. Zell was a tremendous leader for our state and a personal mentor to me. We shared a love for Young Harris College and community service. I am so grateful for the wisdom he has bestowed upon me.
"Amy and I send our prayers to the Miller family. I truly admired Zell and he will be sorely missed."

Congressman Doug Collins:

“Zell Miller helped shape Georgia into one of the strongest states in the union. He was a national giant from northeast Georgia, and I looked up to him as a leader who never blinked in the face of a challenge or let politics eclipse his principles. I’ll always remember the ways in which he encouraged and supported me through many seasons. My family knew, admired and will miss Zell as a true man of the mountains. Our prayers are focused on his loved ones and the millions of Georgians whom he served.”

Congressman Jody Hice

“Today is a sad day for the State of Georgia as we mourn the loss of an icon who fearlessly advocated for our state,” said Congressman Hice. “We, as Georgians, are grateful for Zell Miller’s principled leadership and service to our state and our country. His public service and commitment to serving the people of Georgia remains unparalleled. He was a trailblazer and role model for many who would follow in his footsteps. It is with great sadness and respect that I extend my deepest condolences to the Miller family, especially his wife, Shirley, his children and grandchildren, and his many friends. I hope it is a comfort to his family and friends that so many people share their tremendous loss and are praying for them in this difficult time.”

Congresswoman Karen Handel

“Zell Miller lived a life filled with courage and the resolve to lead,” Rep. Handel said. “He served our state and this country as a Marine, Mayor, State Senator, Lieutenant Governor, Governor, U.S. Senator, and regardless of title, a statesman. All of us are better off for his life, and his service. This is especially true for the 1.8 million Georgians - and counting - that have benefited from higher education because of his HOPE scholarship program. Steve and I send our condolences to Shirley and the entire Miller family.”

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