Former Georgia Secretary of State David Poythress dies

ATLANTA | Former Georgia Secretary of State and two-time gubernatorial candidate David Poythress has died.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the 73-year-old Poythress died Sunday. He suffered from a longtime lung illness.

Poythress entered state politics in 1979, when he was appointed secretary of state. He later won a term in office.

The Bibb County native was also elected Labor commissioner and served as head of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard.

He served as a deputy state revenue commission, assistant state attorney general and commissioner of the Department of Medical Assistance. But Poythress never achieved his goal of serving as governor, losing in two separate runs.

Survivors include Poythress’ wife Elizabeth, a son and two stepdaughters.