The state Senate honored retiring Justice Robert Benham Wednesday with a resolution noting his place in history as the first African American and longest-serving member of the Georgia Supreme Court.

"It is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this remarkable and distinguished Georgian be appropriately recognized," the senators said.

Benham's planned retirement date is March 1. He has served the court since 1989, when he was appointed by then-Gov. Joe Frank Harris—who, like Benham, is from Cartersville.

Benham announced last year that he would retire when his current term ends Dec. 31, 2020, because he will reach his 75th birthday in the next term. Georgia law requires appellate judges to retire by the end of the month before their 75th birthday or forfeit their retirement pension.

Candidates had lined up to run for the open seat. But plans changed in December, when Benham announced that he had decided instead to retire March 1, leaving it up to Gov. Brian Kemp to appoint his successor. Benham has declined to discuss his reasons for the changed timing.

"Justice Benham made history as the first African American appointed to the Georgia Supreme Court in its more than 140 years of existence and proceeded to serve as chief justice from 1995 to 2001," the senators said.

The senators also took note of Benham's military service.

"He served as a guardian of this nation's freedom and liberty with the United States Army Reserve, valiantly and courageously protecting his fellow Americans and attaining the rank of captain," the senators said.

The resolution mentioned Benham's bachelor's degree in political science from Tuskegee University in 1967, his J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1970 and his master of laws from the University of Virginia in 1989.

Benham gave the University of Georgia's annual Holmes-Hunter lecture on Monday. The event is named for the university's first two African American graduates, the late Dr. Hamilton Holmes and journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault. Hunter-Gault—who has given that lecture herself—made a surprise appearance to introduce Benham at the chapel on the old North Campus, greeting him with a warm hug.

"Justice Benham has served with honor and distinction with the Georgia Supreme Court, and his vision and unyielding commitment to justice and law will be sorely missed upon the occasion of his retirement," the senators said. "The members of this body recognize and commend Georgia Supreme Court Justice Robert Benham for his efficient, effective, unselfish, and dedicated public service to the State of Georgia; congratulate him upon the grand occasion of his retirement; and extend the most sincere best wishes for continued health and happiness."