Lester Maddox
#194,549 Most Popular
About
Populist Governor of Georgia from 1967 to 1971 who was stridently opposed to the civil rights movement and led the state's segregation efforts. He also served as Lieutenant Governor under Jimmy Carter.
Before Fame
After he once refused service to two black students in his Atlanta restaurant, his supporters adopted the restaurant's souvenir pick handles as symbols of segregation.
Trivia
In office, he promoted segregation as an issue of state's rights, and promoted temperance, short haircuts for men, and modest attire for women.
Family Life
He had two daughters with his wife of 61 years, Virginia Cox, and 10 grandchildren.
Associated With
Horace Bond, a Georgia politician who came to office a little later, promoted integration of the races rather than segregation.
