ATLANTA – State Representative Kip Smith (R-Columbus) led the Georgia House of Representatives today in passing House Resolution 1979 and in welcoming to the House floor Howard Hollis “Bo” Callaway, former President and CEO of Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Ga. As introduced by Rep. Smith, HR 1979 recognizes the military, political and business accomplishments that Callaway has made to his country and state over the last 60 years.
“Bo Callaway is an inspiration,” said Rep. Smith. “He not only served as an outstanding leader in the military, but also in the business and political worlds. His accomplishments have touched the lives of many people across Georgia and his name will go down in history as one of our state’s most distinguished citizens.”
Between 1949 and 1952, Bo Callaway made significant contributions to the United States Army. Serving as a lieutenant in the Korean War, Callaway received the Combat Infantry Badge, three Campaign Ribbons and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. Callaway was also appointed as the Secretary of the Army in 1973 and received the Medal of Distinguished Public Service by the Department of Defense in 1975.
In addition to his military career, Callaway also served the nation through elected office. In 1964, the people of Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District elected Callaway to serve as their U.S. Representative in Congress. Two years later, Callaway served as the 1966 Republican nominee for Governor of Georgia, which, although ultimately unsuccessful, resulted in his becoming the first Republican candidate since reconstruction to win the popular vote for governor. Callaway later went on to serve as Chairman of the Colorado Republican Party from 1981 to 1987.
Callaway has also served as the President and CEO for Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Ga., Interfinancial, Inc. in Atlanta and Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado. He has been an active member of several Boards of Directors, including Trust Company of Georgia, Georgia Power Company, The Southern Company, SCI Systems, Inc., United Bank of Denver, World Business Council, the Chief Executives Organization, and the CML Group. He is currently the Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Trustees for the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation.
Callaway has five children and 16 grandchildren. He was married to his late wife, Beth Callaway, for 60 years.
For more information on HR 1979 and the accomplishments of Bo Callaway, please click here.
Representative Kip Smith represents the citizens of District 129, which includes portions of Harris, Muscogee, and Troup counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2009, and currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the State Planning & Community Affairs Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations, Economic Development and Tourism, Industrial Relations, and Natural Resources & Environment committees.
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