National Governors Association

Born: August 7, 1927
Died: July 16, 2004
Birth State: Georgia
Party: Democrat
Family: Married Mary Elizabeth Talbot; Four children
Religion: Baptist
School(s): Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Duke University, University of Georgia

Periods in Office:	From:	January 14, 1975
	To:	January 11, 1983

State Web Site

Military Service: Navy

GEORGE DEKLE BUSBEE was born in Vienna, Georgia, in 1927. He attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Duke University, and the University of Georgia. Following service in the U.S. Navy, he graduated from the University of Georgia in 1949. After receiving his law degree in 1952, Busbee moved to Albany, Georgia, and opened a law office. He won a seat in the Georgia House of Representatives in 1956 and was reelected for nine terms. From 1963 to 1965, he served as assistant administration floor leader and as administration floor leader in 1966. In 1967, he served as the first majority leader of the House and was reelected three times. He was elected governor in 1974 and reelected in 1978. Governor Busbee chaired the National Governors Association from 1981-1982 and of the Southern Growth Policies Board.