Funeral services for former Chattooga County Sheriff and Georgia Emergency Management Director Gary McConnell were announced on Tuesday evening. 

McConnell was elected as the youngest sheriff in Georgia history at the age of 22 in 1967.  He served as sheriff of Chattooga County for twenty years and was appointed by Governor Zell Miller to head GEMA.  He continued in that roll under former Governor Roy Barnes.

Governor Barnes and McConnell remained friend over the years.  Barnes told WZQZ on Monday, ” He was a legendary lawman and served two governors as director of GEMA.  We should all be thankful for his service.”  Current Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader asked for prayers for the McConnell family during this time.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 3 PM at Earl Rainwater Funeral Home.  The family suggests donations in Sheriff McConnell’s honor be made to the Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Foundation (GSYF)