ATLANTA – State Representative Calvin Smyre (D-Columbus), Dean of the Georgia House of Representatives, today issued the following statement on the passing of former U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson:
“I was saddened to hear and learn of the passing of former Georgia U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, a longtime friend. Johnny was a ‘gentle giant,’ and he was a man of human compassion. He touched the lives of many Georgians in many ways and was one of the most approachable people in public life that I have ever met. Having first met him in 1977 after he was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives, I have had the opportunity to work with him for four decades on many fronts. He was a strong advocate of coalescing and forming coalitions on public policy issues. Another giant pine tree has fallen in the Georgia forest. My deepest condolences to his wife, Dianne, his three children and the entire Isakson family.”
Representative Calvin Smyre represents the citizens of District 135, which includes portions of Muscogee County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1974 and currently serves on the Special Committee on Access to Quality Health Care, Special Committee on Access to the Civil Justice System, and Special Committee on Election Integrity. He also serves as a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education and the Transportation, Higher Education and Rules committees.
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