George McMillan, former Alabama Lieutenant Governor, dies at 81

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George McMillan for Governor 1982” by Kafoxe is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Alabama’s 23rd Lieutenant Governor + former state congressman George McMillan died over the weekend, according to Gov. Kay Ivey. He was 81.

McMillan, who was born in Greenville and graduated from Auburn University, served as Lieutenant Governor under Fob James from 1979 to 1983. He ran for governor in 1982, losing in a run-off primary election to George Wallace.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former lieutenant governor and my good friend, George McMillan. My friendship with George dates back to our days serving in student government at Auburn University. He treasured being in public service and was a man of great ideas throughout his life, especially while he served our state as lieutenant governor and in the Legislature. My prayers are with him and his loved ones. He will be greatly missed!”

Gov. Kay Ivey

Ivey ordered all flags to fly at half-staff on Friday, April 25 in honor of McMillan.

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Lurleen Wallace, Kay Ivey and George McMillan (Governor’s Office)

McMillan’s impact went beyond the political office though.

In 1989, McMillan began serving as President + Executive Producer of the Birmingham Cultural and Heritage Foundation, a role he would have for more than two decades.

During that time, he helped establish the City Stages music festival in Birmingham.

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Caleb Turrentine
Caleb Turrentine
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