By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
The Alabama Legislature announced that state Rep. George Bandy, D-Opelika, died in a Macon, Georgia, hospital Tuesday at the age of 72.
Bandy was first elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1994 and represented House District 83, which includes parts of Lee and Russell counties.
The House of Representatives had a moment of silence for its fallen member.
Gov. Kay Ivey released a statement after Bandy passed away.
Rep. Bandy
“I am saddened to hear of the death of state Representative George Bandy,” Ivey said. “Since his election in 1994, he has been a dedicated public servant to the people of Lee and Russell counties. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow legislators during this difficult time.”
Bandy was chair of the Alabama House of Representative’s Lee County Legislation committee and served on the Government and Transportation Utilities and Infrastructure committees.
U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, D-Ala., said in a statement, “Louise and I are praying for the family and friends of long-time State Representative George Bandy, who passed away this morning. We are grateful for the legacy he built as he served the communities of Lee and Russell, and our state, with honor and integrity for more than 20 years.”
Alabama House Speaker Mac McCutcheon, R-Monrovia, also sent his condolences.
“The institutional knowledge that he gathered during his long service often provided needed insight and guidance to his colleagues,” McCutcheon said in a statement. “We will miss his presence in the hallways, committee rooms and chambers of the Alabama State House.”
Rep. Bandy was the pastor of Saint James Missionary Baptist Church in Opelika, Alabama.
There are 105 members of the Alabama House of Representatives. Three seats are now vacant.
