Virginia Governor. Graduating from William and Mary College, in 1953, he then served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, (1954-56) and after his military time, graduated from the University of Virginia Law School, in 1957. Before entering politics, he was a successful lawyer, businessman and farmer. He served in the Virginia House of Delegates, (1966-73), was a member of the Virginia Senate in 1973 and was Virginia Lieutenant Governor, (1973-78). In 1978, he was elected as a Republican the 63rd Governor of Virginia, serving until 1982. While in office, he improved the state government's performance, promoted economic development and settled the federal lawsuit requiring desegregation of Virginia's public colleges. He died of lung cancer, at age 55.
Virginia Governor. Graduating from William and Mary College, in 1953, he then served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, (1954-56) and after his military time, graduated from the University of Virginia Law School, in 1957. Before entering politics, he was a successful lawyer, businessman and farmer. He served in the Virginia House of Delegates, (1966-73), was a member of the Virginia Senate in 1973 and was Virginia Lieutenant Governor, (1973-78). In 1978, he was elected as a Republican the 63rd Governor of Virginia, serving until 1982. While in office, he improved the state government's performance, promoted economic development and settled the federal lawsuit requiring desegregation of Virginia's public colleges. He died of lung cancer, at age 55.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Family Members
Advertisement
