Legal Community Remembers Zell Miller

Lawyers who knew Zell Miller, the former Georgia governor and U.S. senator who died Friday morning, shared their thoughts about him with the Daily Report.

Gov. Nathan 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 statesman, 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.”

Judge Mark Cohen, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia, who served as Miller's executive counsel: “I wouldn't be sitting here as a federal district judge were it not for Zell Miller. I believe that he and Carl Sanders were the greatest Georgia governors. I was so fortunate to have served with him during his second term as governor. Among all of his many accomplishments, his impact on diversifying the Georgia judiciary is one of his greatest legacies.”

Leah Ward Sears, former chief justice of the state Supreme Court, now a Smith, Gambrell & Russell partner: “He was an amazing leader who helped me personally when he elevated me to the Georgia Supreme Court. But he also did so much to improve the judiciary in this state, especially through his efforts to diversify the courts. The state of Georgia has lost one of its greatest sons. And I have lost someone who was an enormous supporter.”

Thurbert Baker, former attorney general, now a Dentons partner: “Zell Miller was more than my governor, he was family. He trusted me as his Georgia House floor leader and appointed me to be the first African-American attorney general of this state. Governor Miller taught me more than just politics, he taught me life lessons that have become part of my core values. He and Shirley Miller, his wife for so many years, continue to be an inspiration for many Georgians and I personally will greatly miss 'My Governor.'”

Cathy Cox, former secretary of state, now dean of Mercer University law school: “I came to know Zell Miller personally when I was first elected to the Legislature in 1992 and loved having a front row seat for so many of his legendary 'State of the State' and budget addresses, because they were so forceful and packed with his vision for addressing almost everything that mattered in Georgia—education, transportation, the economy, the environment and basic pocketbook issues for Georgia consumers. His force of personality and deep knowledge of politics, people and the state, combined with the perfect political environment, enabled him to accomplish more than perhaps any other governor in Georgia's history.

“I was still somewhat intimidated by him when I took over the presidency of his alma mater, Young Harris College, in 2007, but quickly came to see and appreciate the more insightful, spiritual and reflective sides of Zell Miller. I saw his physical stature become more frail over recent years, but never his spirit or passion. He had an uncanny ability to see the past, present, and future when it came to politics and how they could shape this state. His legacy will be everlasting.”

Cynthia Wright, former executive counsel to Miller, former chief judge of Fulton County Superior Court, now a partner at Boyd Collar Nolen & Tuggle: Governor Miller was a good man who dreamed large—not for himself but for all Georgians. I was fortunate to work along side him as we shaped the future of education in this State. Georgia has lost a good man and a great leader.

Keith Mason, family friend, campaign aide and chief of staff during Miller's first term as governor: “Governor Miller was a maverick from the mountains of North Georgia. From those mountains, he had vision of a better state through greater opportunity for education. That is why he demonstrated political courage and passed a lottery to fund the popular HOPE Scholarship and voluntary pre-kindergarten for 4-year-olds.

“He was never afraid to shake some trees in those mountains to help plant some seeds for future generations of Georgians. As we said in our 1990 campaign tagline—Georgia is His Cause.”

Jim Butler, whom Miller appointed to the Georgia Board of Natural Resources, of Butler Wooten & Peak: “Governor Miller totally remade the Georgia judiciary—from top to bottom. He took great pride in that effort and in appointing excellent judges. Georgians still benefit from his efforts.