Former Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin Has Died
Tommy Irvin was born the child of sharecroppers and went on to become the longest serving Agriculture Commissioner in United States History and the longest serving statewide elected official in the state of Georgia.
Irvin became Agriculture Commissioner in 1969 – the same year man first walked on the moon. He served until January 2011. Greg Bluestein of the AJC has a quote from the man who succeeded him, Commissioner Gary Black:
Longtime Georgia Agriculture Sec Tommy Irvin died this morning at 88. Here's a statement from current Ag chief Gary Black. #gapol pic.twitter.com/FWAjfYd0vq
— Greg Bluestein (@bluestein) September 15, 2017
Irvin began his political career as a member of the Habersham County Board of Education in 1956. He served four terms in the Georgia House including a stint at the Governor’s Floor Leader prior to becoming the commissioner of Agriculture.
Our thoughts and prayers are extended to Commissioner Irvin’s family and friends.
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Charlie
Founder of GeorgiaPol.com; Now weekly columnist Very interested in Georgia and Georginas. Interest in politics is waning daily.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Ranking Member of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, released the following statement regarding the passing of Tommy Irvin, who served as Georgia’s Agriculture Commissioner for 42 years.
“I was greatly saddened to learn of the passing of my friend of longstanding, Tommy Irvin, who served as a devoted champion for Georgia’s farmers, ranchers, and consumers. Tommy was Georgia’s longest-serving state public official and the country’s longest serving agriculture commissioner. He began his service in 1956 as a member of a local school board. He later served in Georgia’s General Assembly and became Georgia’s Commissioner of Agriculture in 1969.
“His passion for public service and his advocacy for the agriculture community will not be forgotten. He is an example for all public servants to follow. My thoughts and prayers go out to Tommy’s family and friends during this time of loss.”