Ralph Twiggs
Ralph Jennings Twiggs Jr. (March 11, 1928 – September 17, 2003) was an American politician from Georgia. He served more than 30 years in the Georgia House of Representatives.
Ralph Twiggs | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Georgia House of Representatives | |
| In office January 8, 1973 – September 17, 2003 | |
| Preceded by | Jimmy Richard Jones |
| Succeeded by | Charles F. Jenkins |
| Constituency | 4th district (1973–1993) 8th district (1993–2003) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Ralph Jennings Twiggs Jr. March 11, 1928 Hiawassee, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | September 17, 2003 (aged 75) Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Mary Buckner
(m. 1971; died 1999) |
| Children | 3 |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1952 |
Early life and education
Twiggs was born in Hiawassee, Georgia, in 1928.[1] As a teenager, Twiggs befriended future Governor and Senator Zell Miller.[2]
In 1951, he graduated from the Southern College of Pharmacy.[1] After serving in the medical division of the United States Air Force in 1952, Twiggs began a career as a pharmacist.[1]
Political career
Twiggs was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1972.[1] He would go on to win a total of sixteen terms in the chamber, amassing significant seniority.[1] During his final term in office, Twiggs had risen to become chair of the Transportation Committee.[2] He had also previously chaired the Public Safety Committee.[2] A passionate advocate for public education, Twiggs championed Georgia's free kindergarten program.[2]
Death
Twiggs died of pneumonia in Houston on September 17, 2003, where he was receiving chemotherapy treatment for cancer.[2]
References
- "Georgia Official and Statistical Register, 1973–1974" (PDF). Georgia Department of Archives and History. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
- "Ralph Twiggs, veteran lawmaker, dies". Access WDUN. September 19, 2003. Retrieved February 21, 2022.