63rd Governor of Georgia. He served as the Governor of Georgia from 1959 to 1963, running as a candidate supporting segregation in Georgia's public schools. He won this election with one of the largest margins of votes in the state's history. However, beginning in 1961 after realizing that the issue of segregation was a real problem, he started desegregating all-white high schools and the University of Georgia along with other colleges. This action saved Georgia from the turmoil that plagued other southern states due to their reluctance to accept racial integration. Vandiver's unpopular decision of integrating Georgia's public schools cost him re-election in 1962. Also, while serving his term as Governor, Vandiver was responsible for budgeting the state government's financial crisis. In 1966, he declared his bid for reelection, but withdrew due to a heart attack. After his term as Governor, he returned to practicing law. In 1972 he unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. Senate. Prior to his election as Governor, he was Georgia's Lieutenant Governor 1955 to 1959. In 1948 he was appointed the nation's youngest ever Adjutant General. Vandiver was also at one time Mayor of his hometown of Lavonia, and Director of the State of Georgia's Selective Service program while practicing law in Lavonia. As a farmer, he served as president of the Georgia Seed Company. From 1976 to 1977 he was president of the Independent Bankers of Georgia. During World War II, Vandiver was a pilot and an attorney for the Army Air Force. He married and had three children.
63rd Governor of Georgia. He served as the Governor of Georgia from 1959 to 1963, running as a candidate supporting segregation in Georgia's public schools. He won this election with one of the largest margins of votes in the state's history. However, beginning in 1961 after realizing that the issue of segregation was a real problem, he started desegregating all-white high schools and the University of Georgia along with other colleges. This action saved Georgia from the turmoil that plagued other southern states due to their reluctance to accept racial integration. Vandiver's unpopular decision of integrating Georgia's public schools cost him re-election in 1962. Also, while serving his term as Governor, Vandiver was responsible for budgeting the state government's financial crisis. In 1966, he declared his bid for reelection, but withdrew due to a heart attack. After his term as Governor, he returned to practicing law. In 1972 he unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. Senate. Prior to his election as Governor, he was Georgia's Lieutenant Governor 1955 to 1959. In 1948 he was appointed the nation's youngest ever Adjutant General. Vandiver was also at one time Mayor of his hometown of Lavonia, and Director of the State of Georgia's Selective Service program while practicing law in Lavonia. As a farmer, he served as president of the Georgia Seed Company. From 1976 to 1977 he was president of the Independent Bankers of Georgia. During World War II, Vandiver was a pilot and an attorney for the Army Air Force. He married and had three children.
Bio by: John Patton
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