Archie T. Gary had a part in one of the biggest political dramas in recent Georgia history.
Gary was serving in the General Assembly in 1966 when it fell to lawmakers to decide who would be the state’s next governor.
In the general election of 1966, one-term Congressman Howard “Bo” Callaway, a Republican, had more votes than well-known segregationist Lester Maddox, a Democrat. But because of a write-in campaign by former Gov. Ellis Arnall, Callaway did not attain the required majority. That threw the choice to the Democrat-controlled General Assembly, and Gary and a majority of lawmakers elected Maddox as governor in January 1967.
Archie ‘Arch’ T. Gary, 94, died Nov. 2 at his home in Fayetteville after a long illness. A graveside service was held Monday.
Gary made his first foray into politics in 1962, becoming Riverdale’s youngest mayor. He served in the Georgia House from 1965 to 1972, but had a variety of interests beyond politics.
A native of Georgia and lifelong resident, Gary was a sergeant in World War II.
When he returned from the military, he decided to drive a cab while looking for work. Gary enjoyed being a cabbie enough to buy one cab, then several more. Eventually, he co-owned three cab companies, including Carriage Cab, which had only female drivers.
“They did that because a lot of older ladies in Atlanta were uncomfortable riding with a male driver,” said son Ross Gary of Atlanta.
Gary’s interests extended to real estate, sight-seeing buses and even service on the MARTA board.
He co-owned a Gray Line tour bus franchise, offering tours to such places as the site of Margaret Mitchell’s death by a taxi, Stone Mountain and landmarks in the life of the late Dr. Martin Luther King.
“He loved Atlanta and had a great interest in the history of Atlanta,” son Bart Gary of Marietta said.
Archie Gary loved sports and playing baseball in the backyard with his two sons when they were young. Three trees served as the bases.
In addition, he was an avid Georgia Tech fan and enjoyed being in the stands with Bart and Ross.
Both sons remember that the controversy in the governor’s race in 1966 was “big news around here.”
“We watched the vote for governor,” which took place at night and was broadcast in black and white, Ross Gary said.
Maddox’s views had been a concern to many. But Archie Gary felt obliged to cast his legislative vote for Maddox, said Ross Gary.
In the General Assembly, he represented Clayton County, and the county’s voters had overwhelmingly supported Maddox in the general election, son Ross said.
One of the elder Gary’s solid legislative accomplishments was working to create the Georgia World Congress Center authority.
“It (the world congress center) was a tremendous boon to Atlanta and convention business,” son Bart said.
Archie Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn G. Gary. He is survived by sons Bart Gary of Marietta and Ross Gary of Atlanta and their families.
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