Reflections upon the life of Zell Miller

YOUNG HARRIS — After former Georgia Governor Zell Miller passed away peacefully Friday morning at the age of 86, his simple obituary belied the man’s complicated legacy that earned him the nickname “Zig-Zag Zell,” a nod to his political views that often seemed to swing from one side to the other.

He was a lifelong Democrat, but that didn’t stop him from endorsing George Bush in 2004 and being the keynote speaker at the Republican National Convention.

“There is but one man to whom I am willing to entrust their future and that man’s name is George Bush,” Miller said at the time.

Miller was born on Feb. 24, 1932, in Young Harris. He grew up in the small community and graduated from Young Harris College in 1951 before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in the Marine Corps from 1953-1956, obtaining the rank of sergeant. Miller credited his success in life to both the discipline he learned in the Marine Corps and the perseverance he learned from his mother.

Miller married Shirley Carver on Jan. 14, 1954. They were married for 64 years, and they had two sons. Miller graduated from the University of Georgia with a master’s degree in history in 1958. After graduation, he returned to Young Harris College, where he began a long career as an educator.

Miller served as mayor of Young Harris from 1959-1960, and as a state senator from 1961-1964. He served as lieutenant governor for 16 years, from 1975-1991, and was the longest serving lieutenant governor in state history.

Miller served as the 79th governor of Georgia from 1991-1999. As governor, he created the HOPE (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally) Scholarship and Georgia’s Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program. He went on to serve in the U.S. Senate from 2000-2005.

Today, more than 1.8 million students have gone to college in Georgia on HOPE Scholarships and more than 1.6 million 4-year-olds have begun their education through Georgia’s Pre-K Program. These were his most notable achievements in his 46-year career in public service.

Friends and politicians alike were quick to weigh in as the word of Miller’s passing spread around the state.

Gov. Nathan Deal

“It is with a heavy heart that Sandra and I offer Shirley our deepest condolences on the passing of her devoted husband, Zell. Georgia has lost a favorite son and a true statesmen, and I’ve lost a dear friend. Zell’s legacy is unequaled, and his accomplishments in public service are innumerable. Without question, our state and our people are better off because of him. But the mark Zell made in his private life — as a dutiful son, a loving husband, and a proud father and grandfather — are the ones of which I’m sure he was most proud. I was honored to serve with him in the Senate and have cherished his counsel for decades. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones, of which he had many.

“May God bless him and keep him.”

U.S. Senator David Perdue

“Bonnie and I join all Georgians in mourning the loss of former Governor and U.S. Senator Zell Miller. Zell Miller touched the lives of many as a teacher, Marine, public servant and friend. Throughout his career, Zell Miller was a strong advocate for the value of a public education and made it his mission to ensure Georgia students had the opportunity to pursue a college degree.

“Because of his work on the HOPE Scholarship Program, over 1.8 million Georgians have been able to attend a public college or university in Georgia who may not have been able to otherwise. His legacy will live on through them. Bonnie and I are praying for Shirley and the Miller family during this very difficult time.”

USG Chancellor Steven Wrigley

“You can step foot on any campus of the University System of Georgia and feel the immediate and lasting impact of Gov. Zell Miller’s legacy. We see it every day in the thousands of students enrolled in our world-class institutions with help from the HOPE Scholarship. The child of two teachers, Gov. Miller knew education could transform lives for the better. HOPE, since its creation in 1993, has provided more than $10 billion in financial aid to more than 1.8 million students. We stand proud to uphold that legacy, one that created a culture of higher expectations and helped move the University System of Georgia to among the very best in the nation.”

Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle

“One of the great honors of my time in public service was serving under Gov. Zell Miller. We will remember Zell as the governor who gave Georgia Hope – a true statesman who helped build the foundation that allowed our state to prosper. Through his passion for education, love for the people of our state, and dedication to giving Georgians the same opportunities that led a boy from a small mountain town to become one of the greatest leaders of the 20th Century, Gov. Miller leaves a legacy that will always be honored and celebrated.

“All of Georgia’s families and communities will feel the benefits of Gov. Miller’s dedicated service for generations to come, and he will continue to set an example for what public service should be about. I know I speak for many Georgians when I say we will truly miss Zell Miller. Nita and I send our most sincere condolences to Shirley and the entire Miller family.”

Secretary of State Brian Kemp

“Marty and I, along with all of Georgia, mourn the loss of a true public servant, Gov. Zell Miller, who leaves behind an enduring legacy as a bold and brave leader. His efforts championing education set real opportunity within reach of so many citizens of our state through the creation of the HOPE scholarship and our nation’s first pre-kindergarten program, and we are all inspired by the unwavering values which characterized this statesman’s career. We extend our sympathies and prayers to Mrs. Shirley and the rest of the Miller family.”

Funeral arrangements will be announced soon.