George L. Atkins
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George L. Atkins | |
|---|---|
| Auditor of Kentucky | |
| In office December 1975 – January 16, 1990 | |
| Governor | Julian Carroll |
| Preceded by | Mary Louise Foust |
| Succeeded by | James B. Graham |
| Mayor of Hopkinsville, Kentucky | |
| In office 1972–1975 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 10, 1941 Hopkinsville, Kentucky |
| Died | April 14, 2024 (aged 82) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | University of Kentucky |
George L. Atkins Jr. (July 10, 1941 - April 14, 2024) was an American politician and member of the Democratic Party. He served as the mayor of his hometown of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, from 1972 to 1975. Atkins was elected Kentucky State Auditor in 1975, serving for one term from 1975 until 1979.[1]
Biography[edit]
Atkins was born to George L. Atkins Sr. and Frances Shaver Atkins on July 10, 1941. His parents owned the family-run Atkins Dairy in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.[1] He graduated from Hopkinsville High School in 1959.[1] Atkins studied at the University of Kentucky, where he played basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats under Coach Adolph Rupp and received his bachelor's degree in 1963.[1]
Atkins' political career began in 1972, when the Hopkinsville City Council appointed him as Mayor of Hopkinsville to fill a recent vacancy caused by the outgoing mayor.[1] In 1975, Mayor Atkins launched his candidacy for Kentucky state auditor, which was being vacated by incumbent Mary Louise Foust.[1] Atkins was elected state auditor in the 1975 general election and served for one term from 1975 to 1979.[1]
In 1979, Atkins announced his candidacy for governor of Kentucky. However, he withdrew from the race prior to the Democratic primary and endorsed John Y. Brown Jr., who won the 1979 Kentucky gubernatorial election.[1] Governor Brown appointed Atkins first as his finance secretary and then as cabinet secretary.[1]
In 1982, Atkins ran for Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky, but was defeated by Steve Beshear in the Democratic primary election.[1]
George L. Atkins died on April 14, 2024, at the age of 82.[1]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Brown, Jennifer P. (2014-04-15). "George L. Atkins Jr., former Hopkinsville mayor, dies at age 82". Hoptown Chronicle. Archived from the original on 2024-04-17. Retrieved 2024-05-12.