Deal: Flags to fly at half-staff to honor former Gov. Carl Sanders

Gov. Nathan Deal signed an executive order today ordering that flags on all state buildings and grounds be lowered to half-staff to honor the memory of former Georgia Gov. Carl Sanders. Gov. Sanders, 89, passed away on Sunday evening. He served as Georgia's 74th governor from 1963-1967.

"Sandra and I are greatly saddened by the passing of Gov. Carl Sanders," said Deal. "The bond we shared was more than the mutual possession of a public office; Gov. Sanders was a mentor and friend whose bright example of compassionate leadership was unsurpassed. During his tenure as governor, he transformed Georgia by building thousands of classrooms, improving our transportation system, increasing state income and bringing a competitive spirit to the state through the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta Braves. But more than anything else, Gov. Sanders showed true leadership and character by supporting civil rights for all during a time when many were not. It is this legacy that I remember with a heavy heart today, and his lasting positive impact on our state will be felt by many future generations of Georgians. We will continue to pray for the Sanders family during this difficult time."

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22 at Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church, 2715 Peachtree Road, NE. The family has asked that donations in memory of Gov. Sanders be made to either the Metropolitan YMCA or the University of Georgia Law School.  

Click here for Gov. Sanders’ obituary.