On behalf of the State Bar of Georgia, I would like to express condolences to the family, colleagues and many friends of recently retired Supreme Court of Georgia Chief Justice P. Harris Hines on his recent and very untimely passing.

During his distinguished career of 50 years in the legal profession, he demonstrated exemplary commitment, integrity and leadership in the private practice of law, as a judge for the State Court of Cobb County and Superior Court of the Cobb Judicial Circuit and for the past 23 years as a justice on the Supreme Court of Georgia, serving the final 2½ years as chief justice.

I never saw Justice Hines without a smile on his face, and he always greeted people warmly and with genuine affection, and he was loved by all. His love of the law was rivaled only by his love of the Georgia Bulldogs. He lived up to the creed of his college fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, in epitomizing the true gentleman: a quiet leader, never seeking the limelight but leading by example. He was altruistic to the core.

Justice Harris Hines' exemplary lifetime of service is an inspiration to all Georgia lawyers and judges. We are appreciative of his many generous contributions to the cause of justice in our state. Our prayers are with his beloved wife, Helen, their two children and their two grandchildren. He will be missed and remembered.

Kenneth B. Hodges III

President, State Bar of Georgia