Guard Honors Vandiver,
Former Governor and TAG

Governor S. Ernest Vandiver, twice Adjutant General of Georgia, who headed State government during one of the most contentious periods in Georgia history, died at home in Lavonia in February.  Georgia Army and Air Guard honor guards provide an escort for the casket which lay in state in the Capitol Rotunda, and rendered veteran's honors at the graveside..

Vandiver was first appointed TAG by Governor Herman Talmadge in 1947. At that time he was the youngest Adjutant General in the nation.

In 1954, he was elected Lieutenant Governor and four years later Governor. During his tenure he undertook a significant building program including Guard armories and other state facilities. Vandiver also successfully urged the state legislature to repeal the Georgia ’s segregation laws, paving the way for peaceful desegregation of Georgia ’s schools and public facilities.

Governor Jimmy Carter appointed Vandiver Adjutant General for the second time in 1971. Vandiver resigned the office shortly after and ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate.