David Poythress

David Bryan Poythress^[1] (October 24, 1943 – January 15, 2017) was an American politician, born in Bibb County, Georgia.^[2] He served terms as Secretary of State and Commissioner of Labor of the state of Georgia. Poythress also served as the Adjutant General of the Georgia National Guard from 1999 until 2007, initially appointed by Governor Roy Barnes and subsequently reappointed by Governor Sonny Perdue. He retired as a lieutenant general.

David Poythress
Georgia Commissioner of Labor
In office 1993–1999
Preceded by	Al Scott
Succeeded by	Michael Thurmond
22nd Secretary of State of Georgia
In office May 19, 1979 – January 11, 1983
Governor	George Busbee
Preceded by	Benjamin W. Fortson Jr.
Succeeded by	Max Cleland
Personal details
Born	(1943-10-24)October 24, 1943 Bibb County, Georgia, U.S.
Died	January 15, 2017(2017-01-15) (aged 73) Cartersville, Georgia, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Elizabeth Poythress
Alma mater	Emory University
Profession	Politician
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Air Force
Rank	Lieutenant General

In 1998, Poythress made an unsuccessful bid for Governor of Georgia.^[3] On August 26, 2008, Poythress announced his intention to run again as a Democratic candidate for governor in the 2010 election.^[4] In both 1998 and 2010, Poythress lost to Roy Barnes.^[5]

Poythress and his wife Elizabeth had three grown children and eight grandchildren. He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. Poythress died on January 15, 2017, at the age of 73.^[6] He was interred at Riverside Cemetery in Macon, Georgia.^[7]

Education

• 1964: Bachelor of arts degree in political science, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga.
• 1967: Juris doctor degree (with honors), Emory University School of Law, Atlanta, Ga.
• 1986: Air War College, by correspondence